Union, Councilor, and NAACP Issue Statements Amid Worcester Policing Debate
WORCESTER, MA — A series of public statements were issued this week following the recent conviction of former Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and subsequent public discussion surrounding police accountability and governance.
The exchange has involved NEPBA Local 911, City Council Vice Chairman Khrystian King, and the Worcester Branch of the NAACP, each outlining their positions on officer safety, transparency, and civilian oversight.
Police Union Calls for Recusal
NEPBA Local 911, the union representing Worcester Police officers, issued a statement emphasizing that the verdict in the Haxhiaj case was delivered by a jury through the legal process.
👉 Read the full NEPBA Local 911 statement here:
The union expressed concern over Vice Chairman King’s attendance at the trial and his submission of a letter requesting leniency for the defendant. The statement called on King to recuse himself from matters directly involving the Worcester Police Department, citing concerns about impartiality and public confidence in municipal governance.
“The integrity of that process matters.”
— NEPBA Local 911
The union’s statement also referenced broader concerns regarding officer safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals.
Vice Chairman King Responds
On February 19, 2026, Vice Chairman Khrystian King released a statement addressing what he described as mischaracterizations of his remarks.
👉 Read Vice Chairman King’s full statement here:
King stated that accountability strengthens public safety and reiterated his support for effective law enforcement, officer safety, and meaningful civilian oversight. He clarified that his prior comments were related to federal immigration enforcement and community impact, not the referenced court proceeding.
He also rejected claims of bias and stated that he governs based on principle and long-term public trust. In his statement, King acknowledged the jury system and due process while affirming support for constitutional policing and transparency.
“Accountability strengthens public safety. Civilian oversight strengthens trust.”
— Vice Chairman Khrystian E. King
NAACP Issues Statement on Transparency and Oversight
On February 20, 2026, the Worcester Branch of the NAACP issued a public statement reaffirming support for police officers and public servants while expressing concern over suggestions that elected officials advocating for accountability should recuse themselves from policing matters.
👉 Read the Worcester Branch NAACP statement here:
The organization referenced the December 9, 2024 Department of Justice report indicating that the Worcester Police Department lacked adequate internal mechanisms for handling misconduct. The NAACP also cited an October 14, 2025 report by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau recommending the establishment of a civilian review board as a step toward strengthening accountability and transparency.
The statement urged city councilors to support fairness, equity, and transparency while maintaining respect for officer safety.
“Together, we can foster a community built on trust, equity, and safety for all.”
— Worcester Branch NAACP
Ongoing Discussion Around Civilian Oversight
The exchange of statements reflects an ongoing discussion in Worcester regarding public safety, governance, and civilian oversight.
A civilian review board, as recommended in the WRRB report, would provide a mechanism for independent review of complaints or concerns related to policing. The structure and authority of such a board would be determined through municipal process and council action.
City leaders and community organizations continue to debate how best to balance officer safety, due process, transparency, and public trust.
As that conversation continues, multiple stakeholders remain engaged in shaping the future of public safety policy in Worcester.
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