In a move to uphold transparency and reassess internal procedures, the Cambridge Police Department made public the results of a comprehensive review by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) regarding a police officer's deadly shooting of 20-year-old Sayed Faisal on January 4, 2023. Faisal, reported to be in a mental health crisis at the time of the incident, became the impetus for a detailed examination of the department's protocols and training, as divulged by official sources.
Police Commissioner Christine Elow called the death tragic for everyone involved and reiterated the PD's determination to dissect the episode in every aspect. In an expression of commitment to continuous improvement, the CPD took it upon themselves to contract PERF to identify areas warranting enhancement. PERF, which specializes in police administration, put forth a handful of recommendations, noting that the CPD policies were generally strong but could benefit from some revisions. The department is currently working to integrate these suggestions into written policy.
Among the recommendations was the adoption of a co-response model wherein mental health professionals would accompany police officers on specific calls. Additionally, a new policy for supervisors to review the use of force (UOF) incidents and training reforms were put forward, aiming to heighten the de-escalation techniques already in practice. A distinctive feature awaiting implementation is a body-worn camera policy, and a commitment to disclose an officer's identity post-critical incidents, a first for Massachusetts. These endeavors underscore an effort to enhance department transparency and community trust.
Despite the gravity of the incident, PERF highlighted the rarity of such fatal encounters in Cambridge, crediting it to the CPD's existing training and protocols - a testament to their emphasis on de-escalation. "CPD has a long history as a forward-thinking, trauma-informed, state-of-the-art police department and its members are already trained far more than those of other police departments around the state of Massachusetts and the country," the report stated emphatically.
The Cambridge Police Department has embraced the recommendations laid out by PERF with a forward-looking approach. A thorough review of all recommendations is underway in collaboration with officers, city officials, and community partners to ensure the adoption of effective measures. "Even if we did everything right, we never want to lose a life. That is never the outcome that we want when we respond to a call for a person who is in crisis," Commissioner Elow said, as chronicled in the report. With this ethos, the department endeavors to prevent future tragedies and continue to serve their community with the highest standards of policing.
