Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association

05/25/2026

The Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association (CPPOA) is deeply disappointed by the City Council’s vote to eliminate the use of ShotSpotter technology in Cambridge. As the union representing nearly 200 police officers sworn to protect and serve this city, we must question the very commitment of the City Council to public safety.

This decision threatens to make Cambridge less safe by slowing emergency response to gunfire. ShotSpotter has been part of Cambridge’s public safety infrastructure since 2014. Removing it now sets the city back more than a decade by eliminating a tool that alerts police to likely gunfire within seconds — including incidents when no 911 call is made.

There is no credible evidence that ShotSpotter has been used to monitor private conversations or identify individuals. Its purpose is narrow: detect likely gunfire, locate it quickly, and help first responders act faster.

Cambridge Police Department leadership identified at least 11 instances in which ShotSpotter detected gunfire when no corresponding 911 call was received. Those are not abstract statistics. They represent real moments when officers and emergency medical personnel could have been left unaware of possible gunfire, delayed in responding, or unable to provide lifesaving aid.

At a time of heightened concern over gun-related incidents, such as the recent shooting on Memorial Drive, Cambridge should be strengthening its ability to detect and respond to gunfire, not weakening it.

The people of Cambridge deserve public safety decisions that improve emergency response. Unfortunately, the City Council has voted to make it harder for police officers and first responders to know when and where help is urgently needed.

- CPPOA Executive Board

05/13/2026

Yesterday, Cambridge faced the repercussions of a failing criminal justice system, which shows more compassion to violent criminals than to the citizens of our community and the commonwealth. Although we regularly confront the shortcomings of the judicial system, where violent offenders are frequently treated more favorably than the citizens we have sworn to protect, we remain resolute in our dedication to safeguarding our citizens from the threats that the system consistently neglects. We stand united with our colleagues from the State Police Association of Massachusetts, Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, and all our law enforcement partners. State Police Association of Massachusetts Boston Police Patrolmen's Association

-
President Sullivan
CPPOA

04/17/2026

Statement by President Sullivan regarding Arbitration Award for terminated member.

Members,

I am writing to inform you of a significant arbitration decision that was issued on April 15, 2026, regarding the grievance of Officer Brielle Sorey.

The arbitrator has ruled in full favor of the Association, determining that the City did not have just cause to terminate Officer Sorey. As a result, the award directs that Officer Sorey be reinstated to her position as a Cambridge Police Officer, along with the necessary remedial actions.

This decision serves as a direct affirmation of the protections afforded under our Collective Bargaining Agreement and reinforces the importance of due process and just cause in disciplinary matters.

The successful outcome of this case is a testament to the significant effort and commitment of many individuals. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to our Executive Board—Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer—and the representatives assigned to the grievance committee for their unwavering dedication throughout this process. Their tireless efforts ensured that this case was meticulously prepared and vigorously presented at every stage.

I also want to acknowledge the exceptional work of our legal counsel, Attorney Alan McDonald, whose advocacy and expertise were instrumental in securing this result.

We will continue to monitor the City’s compliance with the award and ensure that all aspects of the decision are carried out fully and without delay.

Thank you all for your continued support and solidarity.

Fraternally,
Christopher T. Sullivan
President
Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association

12/23/2025

Well said

Five days after an extensive manhunt began, law enforcement closed in on the Brown University shooting suspect after the emergence of apparent ties between the attack Saturday at the Providence, Rhode Island, school and the killing two days later of an MIT professor at his Massachusetts home.

12/21/2025

“It’s really, really sad to me that a place like Cambridge would, because of these hypothetical concerns, cancel using technology that just found a serial killer or killed one of their own professors,” said Thomas. “That, to me, is just unbelievably tragic.”

The same technology that aided investigators has drawn criticism from residents worried about surveillance.

07/12/2025

The Harvard Crimson
Fox 25 Boston
WCVB Channel 5 Boston

07/11/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2025

Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association applauds new Fire Department training facility; Calls on City to heed PERF recommendation to invest in modern Cambridge Police training center
Cambridge, MA

The Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association (CPPOA) today congratulated the Cambridge Fire Department and the City of Cambridge on the completion of the city’s first standalone fire training facility—calling the project a “model of public safety investment and preparedness”—while urging city leaders to show the same level of commitment to the Cambridge Police Department by funding and developing a modern, purpose-built police officer training facility.

The CPPOA’s statement comes in the wake of the City’s successful construction of a new modular, three-story fire training structure adjacent to Engine 3 in East Cambridge. That facility, now fully operational, provides Cambridge firefighters with an advanced, realistic environment for scenario-based training, including ventilation drills, hose and ladder work, high-rise firefighting simulations, and technical rescue exercises.

“This facility is a major step forward for public safety in our city, and we applaud the City of Cambridge for recognizing the vital importance of consistent, high-quality training for our firefighters,” said CPPOA President Chris Sullivan. “We now ask the City to take the next step by making the same investment in the men and women of the Cambridge Police Department.”

In January 2024, the City of Cambridge commissioned an independent review of police department policies, procedures, and training protocols. The 57-page report, prepared by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), offered a series of recommendations designed to enhance CPD’s training in de-escalation, mental health response, and scenario-based decision-making.

Among those recommendations, PERF specifically called on the City to develop a dedicated training facility for the Cambridge Police Department—one that would enable the regular, immersive, and specialized training required for today’s evolving public safety landscape.

“Right now, Cambridge police officers have no access to a centralized training facility of their own,” the CPPOA noted. “Our officers rely on borrowed space from other agencies or make do with interim accommodations. This limits our ability to conduct the kind of high-stakes, real-time scenario training that is essential in preparing officers to safely manage complex incidents—including those involving mental health crises, use-of-force judgment, and less-lethal alternatives.”
The union said that while the Department's Academy and Training Unit remains committed to high standards of instruction, “there is simply no substitute for a purpose-built space where officers can train regularly, realistically, and safely.”

With the City having already demonstrated its ability to construct and deliver a modular training facility for fire services—on a compact urban footprint and in under a year—the CPPOA said now is the time to extend that same strategic vision to law enforcement.

“The Cambridge Fire Department’s new training facility proves that where there’s leadership and investment, there’s real progress,” said Sullivan, the CPPOA president . “We call on City leaders to follow the clear and reasoned guidance of the PERF report and commit the funding and resources necessary to build a Cambridge Police training facility that meets the needs—and lives up to the standards—of the people we serve.”

07/04/2025

Given the number of people who come to Cambridge to enjoy the fireworks, the vast majority of the department is called on to work extended shifts on July 4th. To support these Officers, members of the CPPOA leadership team organized a barbecue for our on-duty members to enjoy a meal during their shifts. We wish all a happy and safe Fourth of July!

06/24/2025

While on patrol in East Cambridge the other day, one of our officers came across this lemonade stand run by some young entrepreneurs and enjoyed a refreshing drink.

It's no secret we've been experiencing some very hot weather. As it continues, we encourage the community to look out for one another. Please call CPD and our public safety partners if we can assist. Below are are some useful heat safety resources shared by the City of Cambridge (Official): https://www.cambridgema.gov/news/2025/06/cambridgeheatsafetyguide

05/04/2025

Happy International Firefighters Day to our partners at Cambridge MA Fire Department / Cambridge Fire Fighters Local 30