Somerville Continues To Examine PD's Straight Pride Parade Role

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville will take another look at its police officers' actions at the Boston Straight Pride Parade over Labor Day weekend. Somerville officers assisted the Boston Police Department as part of a Cops On Bikes For Regional Assistance (COBRA) mutual aid unit, which drew scrutiny from some residents.

The city will hold a community forum in the Argenziano School cafeteria, 290 Washington St., on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Officials said they are working with an outside consultant, the Consensus Building Institute, to facilitate the dialogue.

Residents will have the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas about the relationship between the community and the Somerville Police Department; listen and hear from others; and collaborate to determine next steps to improve relations and increase trust.

In the aftermath of the Aug. 31 parade, during which dozens of counter-protesters were arrested, city officials said Somerville officers did not carry out any arrests themselves but assisted Boston officers in taking people into custody. Some residents disputed the city's claim with photos from the parade that appeared to show Somerville officers making arrests, and the department invited the public to submit photos and videos from the parade as it reviewed its officers' actions.

In November, the city released its after-action report, which found no evidence of police misconduct but outlined policy changes in light of the community response.