City of Cambridge Implements Police Body-Worn Camera Program

The City of Cambridge is proud to announce that it has completed the phased rollout of the Cambridge Police Department’s Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program, a critical step in strengthening transparency, accountability, and trust between officers and the community.

In March, the Department announced that they would began the process of training officers on Body-Worn Cameras. By early April, nearly all sworn officers in the Department -- including Command Staff, Supervisors, Patrol Officers, and Detectives – had been trained and equipped with body cameras to been worn while they perform their duties.

This important initiative is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and comes after extensive planning, policy development utilizing national models, and best practices in training. The department has worked over the past two years to develop a program that meets the highest standards of accountability while protecting civil liberties.

Officers are equipped with cameras manufactured by Axon, the nationwide leader in body-worn cameras. The Cambridge Police will also be leveraging Axon’s digital evidence management solution, which streamlines video storage, retrieval, and case management, ultimately improving efficiency in handling evidence. Officers will undergo thorough training to ensure they are equipped to use the cameras effectively and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

The Cambridge Police Body Worn Camera Policy and Procedures can be reviewed at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/cambridgepolice/bodycamprogram.

The new policy provides clear guidelines on the proper use of the cameras, while ensuring the public can have confidence that the footage will be handled with the utmost care and integrity.

The policy covers key areas, including:

• Activation Protocols: Clear guidelines on when body cameras should be activated, including during law enforcement encounters, arrests, and other critical interactions.
• Data Management and Security: Stringent protocols for the secure storage, handling, and retention of video footage, ensuring that it remains protected and accessible only to authorized personnel.
• Transparency and Public Access: Procedures for the release of footage to the public, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, to support transparency in law enforcement actions.
• Privacy Protection: Guidelines that balance transparency with the protection of individual privacy, particularly in sensitive situations such as domestic violence calls.

Key features of the new body-camera program include:

• Enhanced Transparency: Footage captured by the cameras will be used to provide clear and unbiased records of interactions between law enforcement and community members.
• Increased Accountability: The video footage will support investigations and provide greater clarity on police actions, helping to enhance and maintain public confidence in the department's practices.
• Community Trust: By implementing this program, the department is reinforcing its commitment to open communication and accountability, which are crucial to building stronger relationships with the community.

“The introduction of body cameras is an important step in our ongoing efforts to build trust and strengthen partnerships between our officers and the community we serve,” said Commissioner Christine Elow, Cambridge Police Department. “This program not only enhances the safety of both officers and the public, but it also ensures that we maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability by ensuring independent verification of incidents, while providing critical evidence in investigations. We know that trust is earned through actions. This program is another way we are working to maintain that trust while upholding the highest standards of policing. I have great confidence that the adoption of body cameras will have a lasting, positive impact on public safety and relations with the community.”

“This is an important moment for our city,” said Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “The implementation of body-worn cameras is about strengthening trust between the Cambridge community and the officers who serve it. This program is part of our larger commitment to public safety, transparency, and accountability."

“We recognize that public trust in law enforcement is built on accountability,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “The launch of body-worn cameras demonstrates our commitment to ensuring officers and residents alike have confidence in the integrity of policing in Cambridge. I am grateful for the collaboration between our Police Department, City Council, City leadership, and the community in making this initiative a reality.”

The City of Cambridge is committed to engaging residents throughout the launch of the BWC program. A series of community engagement opportunities will be scheduled in the coming months to introduce the program, answer questions, and educate the public on how BWCs will be used.

If members of the community have questions about the program, they can contact pio@cambridgepolice.org or visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/cambridgepolice/bodycamprogram.