Cambridge Gun Violence Spurs Police Task Force

CAMBRIDGE, MA – In response to an uptick in gun violence in The Port neighborhood, the Cambridge Police Department Thursday announced it has formed a new internal Task Force to end gun violence in the neighborhood.

“While all incidents of violence are unnerving, the frequency and emboldened nature of recent gun violence in The Port is increasingly disturbing and cannot be tolerated by the police or the community we serve," said Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr.

The CPD Port Task Force, which went into effect earlier this week, is made up of teams of officers, from supervisors, to detectives and patrol officers.

For the foreseeable future, they will be exclusively assigned to work in The Port neighborhood supplementing existing patrols in that area. The officers assigned to the CPD Port Task Force will be in the area on foot, on bicycles and in patrol vehicles in a uniform and plain clothes.

Their presence will extend into the late evening/early morning hours weekends and weekdays. In addition to identifying and holding individuals accountable for their role in perpetuating gun violence in the neighborhood, the Task Force will also be focused on conducting positive outreach with area residents, according to the release.

"By establishing this Task Force and being active in the neighborhood throughout the summer, we intend to restore a sense of safety in the neighborhood and build and/or enhance relationships with residents in the area,” said Bard.

Outside of the formation of the CPD Port Task Force, the Department has plans to increase its outreach and impact throughout the summer via a number of strategies:

Engagement

• Participating and Leading in Cambridge Summer Youth and Community Center Programs, which offer diverse, high quality programs that promote leadership and youth development through enrichment activities, unique experiences, and opportunities to develop relationships with adults and peers. Programs include Boys and Girls Empowerment Camp, Boys to Men, Hip Hop Transformation, City Peace Building Bridges, Mission Possible: Solve It, My City, My Voice, Cambridge Boxing Program, and much more.
• Collaborating with the faith-based community and participating in peace walks and community BBQs, such as the Pentecostal Tabernacle’s “PT in the Park” music and food event at Clement Morgan Park last Thursday, June 14th.
• Deploying Commanding Officers to The Port neighborhood for a portion of their daily shifts.
• Participating and/or organizing several summer basketball leagues taking place weekdays all summer long Monday-Friday throughout the City, including at Sennott Park on Monday and Wednesdayevenings and at Clement Morgan Park and the Community Arts Center Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Attending the City’s “Screen on the Green” events in June, July and August.

Prevention and Diversion

• Utilizing programs such as the Department’s Focus Deterrence initiative and Safety Net Collaborative to prevent the same vicious cycle of someone consistently harming themselves and/or others. CPD will evaluate alternatives to arrest by connecting individuals with relevant resources and treatment, if appropriate.

Anyone with information about the incidents involving gun violence or any other neighborhood concerns are asked to call the Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text message to TIP411 (847411). Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message.

If residents of The Port would like to involve the Cambridge Police Department in any events or initiatives this summer, they are encouraged to contact the Community Services Unit at 617-349-3236.

Photo up top by Jenna Fisher/Patch