City of Somerville header
File #: 210228    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Placed on File
File created: 6/9/2020 In control: City Council
On agenda: 6/11/2020 Final action: 3/25/2021
Enactment date: 6/11/2020 Enactment #: 210228
Title: Supporting full implementation of body worn cameras by sworn personnel in the Police Department.
Sponsors: Matthew McLaughlin, Mary Jo Rossetti, Wilfred N. Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Mark Niedergang, William A. White Jr., and the Mayor

  Agenda Text

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Supporting full implementation of body worn cameras by sworn personnel in the Police Department.

 

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Official Text

WHEREAS,                     Significant evidence exists that body worn cameras on sworn police personnel are a critical tool that increases transparency and accountability of policing, and preserve important records of same; and

WHEREAS,                     The Administration has vigorously pursued full implementation of body worn cameras for sworn personnel in the Somerville Police Department since at least 2015; and

WHEREAS,                     The City has been unable to reach an agreement with its police unions or an award from an arbitrator to allow the City to implement body worn cameras; and

WHEREAS,                     The Mayor and the Somerville Board of Health have declared systemic racism a public health and safety threat; and

WHEREAS,                     Somerville residents, Somerville police officers, and the broader community should not have to continue to wait for the implementation of this vital public safety necessity; and

WHEREAS,                     Communities across the Commonwealth and the nation have taken this step to serve the public safety interests of their communities, and it has become a standard progressive law enforcement tool; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED,                     That the Mayor and Somerville City Council take all steps for full implementation of body worn cameras for police officers; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED,                     That the City of Somerville explore all options for such implementation; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED,                     That the Mayor and Somerville City Council commit to efforts to gain the support of its police unions on this issue; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED,                     That a copy of this Resolution be sent to all members of our State Delegation and to the Governor.