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The Somerville Police Department has adopted all of the 8 Can’t Wait police reform policies espoused by Campaign Zero (see the graphic ). Six of the policies were already formally in place in writing and two were existing, taught standard procedures (a ban on choke- and strangleholds and duty to intervene) that will now be added to written policy and procedures. Officers will continue to be educated on all of these policies.

In addition, Mayor Curtatone has committed to and signed President Obama’s Pledge for Mayors (https://www.obama.org/mayor-pledge/) to address police use of force policies. This is in addition to the slate of policies announced on June 3 (https://www.somervillema.gov/policereform), including a commitment to establish civilian oversight, that are part of our continued effort to deliver just, compassionate and unbiased policing to the community.

Please know that these steps by no means mark the beginning or end of our work on this issue. We will continue to look for and implement the best policies and solutions to address both excessive use of force as well as systemic racism not just in terms of policing, but in all city services and functions so that we can equitably serve our entire community.

— City of Somerville