Members Sought for Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Police Review & Advisory Board. Made up of volunteer members, the Board serves as a fair and impartial body that provides oversight of the Cambridge Police Department (CPD).

About Police Review & Advisory Board
Created by City ordinance in 1984, The Police Review & Advisory Board is a City department with a board of five residents. Completely independent of the CPD, the Board is authorized to receive, investigate, and mediate complaints against members of the CPD and review complaint investigations completed by the CPD’s Professional Standards Unit. Following its review, the Board then issues recommendations on investigative findings, discipline, and departmental policies and procedures. The main responsibilities of the Board are to:

• Provide for citizen participation in reviewing CPD policies, practices and procedures;
• Provide a prompt, impartial, and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Police Department;
• Develop programs and strategies to promote positive police/community relations and to provide opportunities for productive discussions, improved understanding, and innovative ways of resolving differences.

About Board Members and Terms
The Board consists of five Cambridge residents who are broadly representative of the City's racial, social and economic composition. Board Members serve five-year terms and must have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service and be a resident of the City of Cambridge. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/prab.
Duties, Responsibilities, and Minimum Requirements include:

• Reviewing and evaluating completed investigations to make findings on the allegations contained in each complaint;
• Identifying needs for changes to Police Department policies, procedures or training and reporting findings and recommended solutions to the Police Commissioner and the City Manager;
• Assisting in public education and outreach activities to promote awareness and understanding of the Board and strengthen community-police relations;
• Receiving training on a regular basis outside of regular monthly meetings on: civilian oversight of law enforcement, understanding investigations, and the history and culture of policing in Cambridge; CPD training on police policies, procedures, practices, and training; effective outreach and community engagement; and understanding public meetings, public records, and ethical standards and requirements.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Helpful Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Prospective Board Members:

• Possess a reputation for fairness, integrity, and responsibility;
• Ability to be fair and impartial in their decision making;
• Understand implicit and explicit bias and work to mitigate bias in their efforts;

Meetings
The Board currently meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. To learn more about the Board’s work, please consider attending an upcoming virtual meeting on December 7 at 6 p.m., via the Zoom platform. For the link, please visit Cambridgema.gov/calendar and find the listing for this meeting. For more information, contact Brian Corr, Executive Director at 617-349-4694 or bcorr@cambridgema.gov or visit www.CambridgeMA.gov/PRAB.

How to Apply
Applications can be submitted to the City Manager’s Office using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter, resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Applications are due by Monday, December 12.