Somerville, Police Union Reach Agreement On Body Cameras

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city of Somerville and its patrol officers' union, the Somerville Police Employees Association, have reached an agreement to implement body-worn cameras.

The deal was reached following years of stalemate between the city and union, a renewed emphasis was placed on body cameras during community discussions on the Somerville Police Department's role at the 2019 "Straight Pride Parade."

After George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police in May 2020, the implementation of body cameras was included in a list of 10 priorities for police reform announced by the city in June 2020.

A joint resolution in support of body cameras for sworn officers was co-introduced that month by City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin; Councilors At Large Wilfred N. Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, Kristen Strezo, and William A. White Jr.; Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang; and Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

"I want to thank all involved who found a way forward with this critical tool for increasing transparency and accountability in policing," Curtatone said in a statement. "While no one reform alone will achieve our goals to re-envision policing in our community, body cameras are an important step forward as we continue to build on our police force's deep commitment to transparent, procedurally just, and compassionate community policing."

The agreement, ratified by the union last week, allows for the full implementation of body cameras for patrol officers, with certain exceptions based on best practices. The cameras will not include facial recognition capability but would serve solely to document police actions.

Negotiations continue for body cameras for superior officers, who are represented by a separate union.

"The police administration’s hope is that this technology will enhance mutual respect and trust between our officers and the community while providing greater transparency into police operations," Interim Police Chief Charles Femino said. "There is good evidence that body cameras can reduce the potential for police misconduct or excessive use of force while also reducing false accusations of police abuse, all of which supports public safety and procedural justice."

The body camera measure is one component of the SPEA contract reached last week, which is subject to the City Council's appropriation of funds. If funded, the purchase of body camera hardware and software and training of all officers in proper use will follow.