In the Spy and WHCP’s monthly check in with Chief Justin Todd of the Cambridge Police Department discussed several key initiatives and challenges facing the department. Chief Todd highlighted the introduction of a new position funded by the governor’s office, the “Protect Coordinator,” part of the “Public Resources Organizing to End Crime Together” program. This role, filled by Lamont Goodson a former FBI agent with a military background, is focused on community-oriented policing, particularly in high crime areas.
Chief Todd also talked about the department’s community engagement efforts, including the “Shop with a Cop” program and the MLK youth basketball classic. These initiatives aim to foster positive interactions between the police and the community, especially the youth.
Regarding the impact of new cannabis laws, Chief Todd noted no significant change in street-level crime, but expressed concerns about the challenges of enforcing driving under the influence laws.
Chief Todd also discussed the success of the ShotSpotter program in tracking and responding to gun violence and emphasized the importance of community policing through environmental design to reduce crime. He stressed the need for inter-department cooperation across jurisdictions to address the interconnected nature of criminal activity in the region.
This video is approximately 12 minutes in length.
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