Message from Commissioner Bard

The following message was shared by Commissioner Bard to employees at the Cambridge Police Department. 

----------------------------------------------

To all my colleagues at CPD:

I wanted to confirm that after extensive discussion with my family and very careful consideration, I have accepted a new opportunity with the Johns Hopkins Institutions and will be leaving the City of Cambridge. 

When I was appointed Police Commissioner four years ago, my family and I were warmly welcomed by the entire department and Cambridge community. While a large majority of my life has been spent in Philadelphia, Cambridge quickly became home. My experiences, the lifetime relationships I have built and our collective accomplishments have all far exceeded my expectations. For that, I am grateful. 

At a time when policing is under great scrutiny and faces immense pressure to reform and reimagine its future place in society, I can say with great confidence that the “Cambridge way” represents what police departments should aspire to be. I hear it repeatedly from my peers all over the country. We are recognized as a national model in a variety of ways – from our talented personnel to our organizational structure, the support we provide for our most vulnerable residents, how we quickly adapt to meet the most pressing needs in the community, our unique services and programming that build trust and confidence with our residents, etc. The examples are extensive.  

Despite the great uncertainty surrounding our region and country, particularly over the last two years, you have maintained the highest level of services and safety. The department has never been stronger than it is today. I am truly thankful to have had this once-in-a-career opportunity. 

I will begin transitioning responsibilities and providing support to both Superintendents, who will lead the Department until an Acting Police Commissioner is named. I have complete confidence in Superintendent DiPietro and Elow’s abilities to lead CPD going forward and encourage you all to fully support them during this transition.  In the interim, I look forward to speaking to many of you over the next several weeks.  

Stay safe, keep up the fine work and enjoy the summer. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Branville G. Bard, Jr.

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Police Commissioner

Cambridge Police Department

125 Sixth St., 

Cambridge, MA 02142