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Members of the Community Safety Department’s CARE Team

Community Safety Department Makes Immediate Impact In Community Following Launch of 9-1-1 Response

The Community Safety Department’s CARE Team launched in 2024, providing an unarmed, compassionate response to mental health crises, well-being checks, and other non-criminal emergencies. By the end of the year, they responded to nearly 200 emergency calls, assisted over 150 community members, and removed 1,600 needles from public spaces, with 94% of calls requiring no police involvement. In collaboration with local organizations and the Cambridge Police Department, the CARE Team also offers case management and referrals, helping residents access shelter, addiction treatment, housing support, and other essential services.

Funding Secured for New Outreach Van to Support Unhoused Community

Opioid Settlement funds have helped enhance and expand street medicine services for the unhoused community, including purchasing a new van.

Cambridge Fire 2024 Emergency Response Numbers at a Glance

In 2024, the Cambridge Fire Department responded to 16,182 emergency incidents, including 1,148 fires, 7,387 medical emergencies, and 237 elevator rescues. Firefighters played a critical role in major local fires, including a tragic 3-alarm fire in North Cambridge and multiple multi-alarm residential fires throughout the year. Cambridge fire companies also provided mutual aid to neighboring communities 196 times, highlighting their dedication to public safety.

Director of Clinical Support Services Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association

Dr. James Barrett, Director of Clinical Support Services for the Cambridge Police Department, co-authored a study published in JAMA Network Open revealing that one in five U.S. adults who die by suicide had spent at least one night in jail in the year prior. The research highlights the need for community-based suicide prevention efforts, particularly post-release. Dr. Barrett’s work with CPD and the Cambridge Health Alliance focuses on supporting individuals with mental health conditions through case management, follow-up care, and a co-response model that pairs clinicians with officers for mental health-related 911 calls.

: Sergeant Lowe (center) and Officer Grassi (left) and Gutoski (right) patrol Harvard Square.

Officers Build Relationships in Harvard and Central Square

The Cambridge Police Department’s Harvard Square/Central Square Unit builds strong relationships with businesses, residents, and associations to enhance safety and trust in these vibrant districts. Officers embedded in the squares work closely with the community to address concerns, fostering open communication and collaboration. Their presence is seen as essential to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment in both squares.

City Manager Yi-An Huang speaks at a podium.

City Manager Huang Proposes Amendments to Vehicle Safety Regulations

City Manager Huang and other local elected officials recently went to Beacon Hill to testify on regulations implementing amendments to the State’s Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities.

A Cambridge Police officer rides a bike while giving the camera a thumbs up

Police Utilize Education and Enforcement to Improve Compliance

The Cambridge Police Department utilizes education and targeted enforcement to enhance roadway safety, reduce harm, and promote compliance with traffic laws as part of the City's Vision Zero commitment.

A smiling teacher supervises three students working on a classroom assignment at a table, pointing at one of their papers. The room is bright with educational posters visible in the background.

A Deeper Look at Key City Initiatives for FY25

Take an in-depth look into the City’s major initiatives for the new fiscal year--from affordable housing to traffic safety.

Prioritizing Urban Safety: A Comprehensive Approach to Complete Streets in Cambridge

The City's commitment to urban safety is not just on repairing damaged roads or improving accessibility, but also on prioritizing safety at dangerous intersections. By the end of this year, the City plans to ban turns on red at most intersections.

MBTA bus in dedicated bus lane on Route 2.

Transportation & Mobility

Green Line Extension (GLX) opened the Green Line Extension Union Square Station in March 2022, dedicated bus lanes and separated bike facilities were implemented in multiple areas, new Bluebike stations were installed, an much more.

Cambridge Police Department is pursing a gold standard in accreditation.

Commitment to Public Safety

The City Council approved a budget of $2.8 million for the creation of a Department of Community Safety (CDCS) that will coordinate community driven solutions to enhance safety and wellness through key services and programs targeted at our most vulnerable populations. CDCS will oversee the Cambridge Alternative Response Program and other efforts to supplement Cambridge Public Safety agencies in making the community a safer place to live, work, and experience for all.

Nurses from Cambridge Public Health Department

Promoting Community Health

Improving public health in Cambridge is a citywide effort involving many City departments and community partners. The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD), a nationally accredited health department, spearheads the City’s public health approach and programming.

Diagram of the Cambridge Alternative Response Program

Proposed Community Safety Department to Offer Alternative Response to Non-Violent and Behavioral Health Crisis 911 Calls

The City of Cambridge is proposing a new Community Safety Department (CSD) that will coordinate community driven solutions to enhance safety in the community, with key services and programs targeted at our most vulnerable populations.

Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance

The City’s Cycling Safety Ordinance calls for the City to build out a 25-mile network of separated bike lanes in the next five years. Separated bike lanes, which generally include space and vertical dividers that create a physical distance between bicycles and motor vehicles, improve safety and create a more comfortable environment.

Young Adult Diversion Program Offers Alternative to Criminal Prosecution

Diversion allows a young person the opportunity to complete an individually-tailored program in lieu of prosecution and may include conditions such as educational programs, counseling, community service, working with housing, letters of apology, and restitution.

Expanding Advanced Life Support Services

Cambridge Fire Department (CFD) will hire eight firefighters in FY23 to expand the delivery of Advanced Life Support, (ALS) or Paramedic service, to the community.

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