Between 2013 and 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice investigated the Springfield Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau and found a pattern or practice of excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment. The investigation revealed that officers frequently used excessive force without proper reporting or accountability. In response, the department entered into a consent decree in 2022, mandating reforms such as improved use-of-force policies, enhanced training, and better internal investigations. Additionally, a statewide database published by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission documented over 200 Springfield officers with more than 400 complaints, highlighting the department’s significant disciplinary challenges.
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