UPDATED APRIL 12, 2024: Cambridge Police Release Update on Investigation into Unintentional Firearm Discharge at High School

UPDATED APRIL 12, 2024: Cambridge Police Department and Cambridge Public Schools Release an Update on the Firearm Discharge Investigation at High School

The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) continues to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the unintentional discharge of a Youth Resource Officer’s (YRO) duty firearm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School (CRLS). Based on information developed in the preliminary investigation, Police Commissioner Christine Elow announced that while in a single-stall staff restroom Officer Frank Greenidge removed his department-issued firearm from its holster and placed the firearm on a bathroom stall hook by the trigger guard. The firearm reportedly unintentionally discharged as it was removed from the hook. There were no injuries, and the school day continued uninterrupted. Officer Greenidge has been placed on administrative leave pending a full review of the incident.

The Cambridge Police Department has strict policies and standards regarding the use, maintenance, and storage of all department-issued firearms. Conduct by a member of the Cambridge Police Department that is found to be non-conforming with department policies and standards will be thoroughly and objectively investigated to assure that there is accountability.

April 3, 2024: Cambridge Police Release Update on Investigation into Unintentional Firearm Discharge at High School

The Cambridge Police Department is investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported unintentional discharge of a Youth Resource Officer’s (YRO) department issued firearm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. It was reported that while Officer Frank Greenidge was in a single-stall staff bathroom of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Officer Greenidge removed his department issued firearm from its holster and it unintentionally discharged. There were no injuries and the school day continued uninterrupted. Officer Greenidge promptly reported the incident to his supervisor allowing the Police Department to quickly respond and process the scene. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police were also notified in connection with this incident. Officer Greenidge has been reassigned within the Department pending a complete and thorough review of the incident.

Officer Greenidge has been with the Cambridge Police Department since 1987 and he is a highly regarded member of the school community for his work in the school district and youth sports programs.

Cambridge Police YROs are sworn law enforcement officers who are selected and trained to promote safety within schools. As part of the YRO program, the department designates a small group of police officers to participate in the specialized training necessary for them to be important members of the school community. This morning, members of Cambridge Police Department’s command staff met with school staff to discuss the incident and how best to support the school community.

The Cambridge Police Department has strict policies regarding the use, maintenance, and storage of all department issued firearms. The department is investigating whether there was a violation of those policies. As part of the department’s commitment to transparency, the findings of the investigation will be released once completed. Law enforcement disciplinary records are posted on the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website.