Police Staffing and Hospital Guard

Context

A City Manager communication (Council item 7a, June 2, 2026) on the Worcester Police Department's Hospital Guard, the officers who guard detainees receiving hospital care. Police Chief Paul B. Saucier described the role and said it strains staffing. Kathleen M. Toomey asked about a secured unit within hospitals, and Tony Economou and Morris A. Bergman discussed two-officer patrol cars, more officers, precinct stations and a Worcester County Sheriff's Office arrangement.

Status

On September 8, 2026 the Public Safety Committee recommended filing the communication after adopting orders asking the City Manager for a report and cost estimate on staffing two officers per patrol car, and an update on the July 21, 2026 order about lateral-transfer recruiting incentives from other cities and towns.

Log

• 2026-09-08 - Public Safety Committee - Chief's overview of the Hospital Guard and staffing; two report orders; recommended file.