Cambridge Police Department Announces Promotion of Lieutenant Yam to Deputy Superintendent

The Cambridge Police Department on Friday announced the promotion of Buckowe Yam from Lieutenant to Deputy Superintendent following a special ceremony at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility. The first Asian-American to ever serve on the department’s command staff, Yam will oversee Day Operations and the Traffic Unit after taking over for recently retired Deputy Superintendent Rick Riley. He will report directly to Superintendent Robert Lowe along with Deputy Superintendent John Boyle and Anthony Macone in the Cambridge Police Operations Division.  

CPD today proudly announced the promotion of Buckowe Yam from Lieutenant to Deputy Superintendent following a special ceremony.

The first Asian-American to ever serve on the department’s command staff, Yam will oversee Day Operations and the Traffic Unit. #CambMA pic.twitter.com/uVzX2xaVmi

— Cambridge Police👮🏽 (@CambridgePolice) February 3, 2023

Deputy Yam has more than 27 years of law enforcement experience with five years as a supervisor. He joined the Cambridge Police Department in 1995 and has worked in patrol operations, the Family and Social Justice Section, and the Special Response Team. Most recently, he worked as a Lieutenant in the Family and Social Justice Section, where he was responsible for providing coordinated, person-centered case management to individuals in mental health crisis’, unhoused individuals, senior residents, and businesses. In 2007, he was named CPD’s First Business Liaison and has worked closely with the local business and civic associations. 

Police Commissioner Christine Elow stated, “Deputy Yam has proven to be an invaluable leader within the department, been at the forefront of our community policing initiatives, and is well-regarded internally and externally in our city. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to take this next step and further strengthen our leadership team.”  

Deputy Yam holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College.

Photos and videos from Friday’s ceremony are available on www.facebook.com/cambridgepolice.