The Lawrence City Council held a special meeting on January 22, 2025, to discuss ongoing investigations involving the Lawrence Police Department and the implications of recent reports. Central to the discussion was the involvement of the Maverick investigation agency, which was hired by the attorney of William Castro, a police chief under scrutiny. The agency, not licensed in Massachusetts, operated under the license of a local officer, raising questions about the legitimacy of their findings.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the Maverick investigation was conducted at the request of Castro's lawyer and involved interviews with only a limited number of individuals, contrasting sharply with the more extensive Bennett report, which included testimonies from 18 city employees. Council members expressed concerns about the thoroughness and professionalism of the Maverick investigation, with one councilor describing the agency's conduct during interviews as unprofessional.

The discussion also touched on the findings of the Bennett report, which investigated allegations against Chief Castro, including claims of untruthfulness in his reports and questionable hiring practices. The report was described as detailed and conducted by highly qualified investigators, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability within the police department.

Council members voiced frustration over the political implications of the investigations, suggesting that the police department was caught in a "political volleyball game." They underscored the need for clarity and truth in the ongoing investigations to restore public trust in law enforcement.

As the meeting concluded, council members reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the findings of both the Maverick and Bennett reports would be made available to the public, allowing citizens to draw their own conclusions about the state of the police department and the integrity of its leadership.