That the Cambridge City Council schedule a hearing to discuss the possible use of body cameras by the Cambridge Police Department

WHEREAS:

The nation is grappling with how to improve police interactions with residents, and how to create a police department that is equitable and accountable to the community; and

WHEREAS:

The City of Cambridge has a vested interest in ensuring the safety of both residents and police officers, and embedding opportunities for transparency to facilitate this work; and

WHEREAS:

Having police officers wear body cameras is one way of increasing transparency in local policing. While the research results are mixed about whether the technology decreases police use of force, it is at least a means of oversight and accountability of individual behavior and overall policing; therefore be it

ORDERED:

That the Cambridge City Council schedule a hearing to discuss the possible use of body cameras by the Cambridge Police Department.