City of Cambridge City of Cambridge City of Cambridge City of Cambridge City of Cambridge City of Cambridge

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
  • WHO WILL INVESTIGATE MY CASE?
  • IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE:
  • WHAT TYPES OF COMPLAINTS DOES PRAB INVESTIGATE?
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    WHAT IS THE CAMBRIDGE POLICE REVIEW AND ADVISORY BOARD?

    The Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) was created by city ordinance to provide timely, fair, and impartial investigations of complaints brought by individuals against police officers. Police officers also have the right to file claims with the Board against the Cambridge Police Department. The Board acts as the representative of the community in reviewing policies, practices, and procedures of the police department.

    WHY WAS THE PRAB CREATED?

    The Police Review and Advisory Board was created to improve community confidence in city government in general, and to strengthen community-police relations.

    WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE PRAB?

    The Police Review and Advisory Board consists of five civilian residents of Cambridge.

    SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT:

    Complaints may be filed with the PRAB in person, by letter, or by telephone. In all cases, complainants are required to provide signed statement providing information about the allegations made. Complaints must be filed within 60 days of the alleged incident. .

    HOW DOES THE PRAB WORK?

    The process is initiated by the filing of a complaint with the Board. Each case is received and investigated by the Board staff. Although the staff member is responsible for doing the investigation, she or he makes no decisions on the merits of any complaint. The Board alone decides on the merit of each complaint. Once a complaint is filed and a preliminary investigation is done, the Board orders a full investigation or dismisses the complaint. A full hearing includes both the complainant and police officer(s). After a full investigation is completed, the Board may dismiss the complaint, mediate, or order a hearing. Following a hearing, the Board will render a final decision. If the Board finds a violation, it will make a recommendation to the City Manager as to what action(s) should be taken.

    DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

    No, an attorney is not necessary.

    WHO WILL INVESTIGATE MY CASE?

    The Police Review and Advisory Board employs its own investigative staff. The PRAB staff is independent of other city agencies and shall not have been employed by the city for at least three years prior to their employment with the Board. As a spokesperson for the community, the Police Review and Advisory Board reviews police policies, practices, procedures, and makes recommendations to the Police Chief, City Manager, and City Council. Every attempt will be made to obtain answers to your questions so that the City of Cambridge can receive the best police service that can be provided.

    IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE:

    Most of the problems you may encounter with the police can be avoided. Remember, they have a right to stop and question you based on probable cause. If you are stopped, you should collect your thoughts and remain calm. Whether or not you are arrested may just depend on how calm and prepared you are at this time. There are factors that the police may take into consideration when observing you. Every situation is different and the officer may consider the following factors:

    • If you are running and a crime has recently been reported in the area.
    • · If you are "hanging around" with people currently under police investigation.
    • · If you are near an area where a crime has just been reported and may have witnessed or participated in the crime.
    • · If you are in an area which the police believe to be abandoned or unoccupied, or are present on public or commercial property outside of appropriate norms.
    • · If you are acting in a manner which appears to be suspicious.
    • · If the police believe you are in possession of stolen property.
    • · If stopped while walking or driving your car, you refuse to answer police questions, or give false, evasive or contradictory information.
    • · If you match a suspect profile described to the police.
    • · If you use derogatory or offensive language, you may be saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

    While these things are taken into consideration when questioning you, the police MUST STILL RESPECT YOUR RIGHT TO REFUSE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT SOUND ACCUSATORY.

    These considerations are based on guidelines established by the National Black Police Association.


    WHAT TYPES OF COMPLAINTS DOES PRAB INVESTIGATE?

    • Excessive use of force
    • Use of discourteous or demeaning language
    • Improper stop, arrest, search and seizure
    • Inadequate investigation or improper police reports
    • Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, sex, religion, disability, or national origin or any other criteria defined in federal and state guidelines.
    • Harassment
    • Improper police procedures
    • Improper traffic citation or police tow

    All Board meetings and hearings are open to the public.

    FOR INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE, OR TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN PERSON, BY LETTER, OR BY TELEPHONE CONTACT:

    POLICE REVIEW & ADVISORY BOARD
    51 Inman Street
    2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139
    Tel. (617) 349-4396
    Fax (617) 349-4766
    TDD.(617) 349-6112

    The office hours are: 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday or by appointment.

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