Search ▸ Agenda item attachment
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data
1. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Cambridge Arts
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Marketing & Communications
Submitted by:
Jason Weeks
Date:
02/12/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR
•
Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Media Monitoring - AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company that
monitors media channels and digital/print media platforms to identify relevant content
based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts
database, and is used to distribute city media releases. AgilityPRis also used to monitor
coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest (i.e. sustainability,
construction, transportation, and Visionzero) to compile reports to share with internal
staff.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service (SaaS)
that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts, responding to
messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and strategy.
Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help solutions (to
open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship management
(CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Media Monitoring – AgiltyPR: This technology allows the City to respond to media
reports regarding the City of Cambridge in a timely and appropriate manner and ensure
the City’s brand is appropriately represented. The platform allows us to measure the
impact of our media outreach efforts and adjust strategy to improve coverage. The tool
provides us with access to journalist and media outlet contacts from across the nation.
The tool centralizes communication efforts that takes place by communications staff
integrated throughout various city departments. It allows for centralized monitoring and
coordination of citywide efforts.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: This tool allows City departments to better
coordinate social media efforts in terms of content reaction, strategy evaluation, and
responsiveness to our followers. Not all departments have migrated into the tool yet but
will in the coming years. The advantage of this tool is that all our social platforms can be
accessed within one account, that is secured by various permission levels. It allows for
quick access and control of City social media accounts during an emergency situation and
provides a way for the city to coordinate the dissemination of information to the public.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• AgilityPR: Costs covered by annual subscription cost, which is paid centrally via the
OOM account within the City’s Public Information Office annual budget.
• Sprout Social: Costs covered by annual subscription cost, which is paid centrally via the
OOM account within the City’s Public Information Office annual budget.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• Cambridge Arts is not aware of any marginalization as an impact to this usage.
2. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Community Development
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Melissa Peters
Date:
02/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR
•
Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Media Monitoring - AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company
that monitors media channels and social media platforms to identify relevant content
based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media influencers
(media contacts) database, and is used to distribute city media releases. Agility PR is also
used to monitor coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest (i.e.
sustainability, construction, transportation, and Visionzero) to compile weekly reports to
share with internal staff.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts, responding
to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and strategy.
Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help solutions (to
open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship management
(CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Sprout Social has helped CDD to effectively manage requests coming in from the public
via social media and to schedule our posts in one location instead of logging into each
platform separately; combined these activities reflect dozens of actions each month.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• CDD uses the City-wide subscription via access provided by the City’s Communications
Director. Annual subscription costs are paid centrally via the OOM account within the
City’s Public Information Office annual budget.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• CDD is not aware of any disproportionate impact.
3. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Community Safety
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Submitted by:
Liz Speakman
Date:
02/27/2025
Surveillance Technology: • Operations/Case Management Software
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Excel: Upon launch of 911 Response operations, the
Community Safety Department (CSD) has used Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Excel
applications as an interim method to collect and store information about the services and
interventions provided by the CARE (Community Assistance, Engagement and Response)
Team. For each encounter, the CARE Team will collect and record basic demographic
data, service needs identified by community members, referrals made, and any follow up
plans. Additionally, the CARE Team has used Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Excel for
case management support to keep track of ongoing services provided and where responders
made referrals.
• This software has served as interim data collection software, while the case management
software has been procured, developed, and implemented over the past year. Once the
official CSD software platform contract ready for CARE responders to use later this year,
the Department will migrate all data to the contracted CSD software platform, begin
utilizing the new software, and end any usage of Microsoft Forms and Excel for this
purpose.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
Not without written consent from the community member.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None to our knowledge.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
Yes.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
None.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
No.
4. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Human Service Programs
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Ellen Semonoff
Date:
02/21/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• IP Address Collection Platforms
• Media Monitoring - AgilityPR
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• IP Address Collection Platforms (Drupal Community – Drupal 10Apache Software
Foundation; Apache HTTP Server; Adapt, LLC – Find It Cambridge website software):
Drupal Apache Software/Server by Drupal/Adapt is the platform which the FindIt
Cambridge Website is built and housed on. A feature of this platform is the ability to log
the IP addresses of those who visit the website.
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company
that monitors media channels and digital/print media platforms to identify relevant
content based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts
database, and is used to distribute city media releases. AgilityPRis also used to monitor
coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest (i.e. sustainability,
construction, transportation, and Visionzero) to compile reports to share with internal
staff.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts,
responding to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts
and strategy. Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external
help solutions (to open service request tickets) and provides a social customer
relationship management (CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• IP Address Collection Platform. The website FindIt Cambridge continues to be a
fantastic resoursce for those seeking information about services across the city, and is
currently maintaining its levels of hosting, with 1,447 contacts, organizations, programs
and event listings housed on the site. The Drupal platform allows us to give service
providers the ability to easily share opportunities on social media platforms as requested,
which increases traffic to the site and engagement with the FindIt platform. It also allows
service providers to receive the pageview count for their pages to increase their
engagement and encourage them to update or improve their content regularly.
• Agility PR. This technology continues to allow DHSP to respond to media reports
regarding the City of Cambridge in a timely and appropriate manner and ensure the
City’s brand is appropriately represented. The platform allows us to measure the impact
of our media outreach efforts and adjust strategy to improve coverage. The tool provides
us with access to journalist and media outlet contacts from across the nation. The
platform has enabled DHSP’s Communications Manager to send press releases and track
PR engagement.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social. Over the past year, DHSP has used Sprout
Social for social media management and media monitoring. The Sprout Social platform is
used for scheduling and monitoring posts on DHSP’s Twitter and Facebook feeds. It also
allows staff to generate social media reports to track engagement and use a data-driven
approach for the department’s social media strategy. Additionally, Sprout Social allows
for better coordination between DHSP and other City departments.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• IP Address Collection Platform – Drupal - $66,276 maintenance contract from OOM
from DHSP Budget, FY25.
• Agility PR - Costs covered by City-wide annual subscription cost from OOM from
Public Information Office budget.
• Sprout Social - Costs covered by City-wide annual subscription cost from OOM from
Public Information Office budget.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• DHSP is not aware of any.
5. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Election Commission
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Tanya L. Ford
Date:
02/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Electronic Poll Pads
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Electronic poll pads were used by poll workers at early voting sites in 2024 to check in
voters. They were used for the March 2024, Presidential Primary, the September 2024,
State Primary and the November 2024, Presidential Election to lookup voters. The pads
are used by authorized Election Commission personnel to identify voters and confirm that
they have voted. The pads do not collect identifiable information related to how a person
voted, only that they voted. The information in the poll pad is the information in the
state’s Voter Registration Information System (VRIS): voter name, address, party, date
of birth, and ballot cast or not.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• The data is stored on the state’s VRIS, which is supplied to the Election Commission by
the Office of the Sec. of the Commonwealth.
• Only Election Commission personnel can access the information stored by the poll pads.
The poll pads are password protected. The information in the poll pads is the information
on VRIS: voter name, address, party, date of birth, and ballot cast or not.
• The information on the poll pads and stored in VRIS is a public record. The information
in the poll pads is the information on VRIS: voter name, address, party, date of birth, and
ballot cast or not.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• No complaints received by the Election Commission office.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No violations.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• The technology was effective. Without the pads poll workers would have had to check in
voters via paper “Voter Lists” return the marked “Voter Lists” to the Election
Commission office at the end of the day/night during the early voting period and the
Election Commission staff would have been required to input by hand all the voter data
collected during the week or weeks of early voting into the state’s Voter Registration
Information System. Using poll pads cut down on a tremendous amount of staff time. At
the end of each day the staff simply downloaded the information from the poll pads and
uploaded it to VRIS. On Election Day the poll pads are used to help some voters find
their correct ward & precinct and polling location.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Costs - There a total of 39 poll pads. All 39 poll pads will enter a new annual agreement
in the amount of $11,700 to be paid to the vendor. This breaks down to $300 per poll pad.
• Funding Source – FY25State Primary operating budget.
• Personnel costs - The use of poll pads does not impact staff or poll workers’ pay.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• No impact. Poll pads were supplied for use at each of the 3 early voting sites. Cambridge
Voters were permitted to vote early at any one of the sites during the early voting period.
Weekdays, evenings and a weekend were made available to all Cambridge voters.
6. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Emergency Communications
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Emergency Communications Center
Submitted by:
Christina Giacobbe
Date:
02/23/2025
Surveillance Technology:
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System
• Digital Evidence Management System
• Landline Location Technology
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). RapidSOS is a web
platform that provides life-saving data directly to 911 and first responders in an
emergency, providing faster, more effective responses. In Cambridge, when callers
contact 911 their call is directed to Emergency Communications on the state’s Next
Generation 911 platform and RapidSOS provides secondary, data-based location
information to ECC through the RapidSOS clearinghouse. The purpose of this
technology is to provide ECC Call Takers and Dispatchers with an accurate phone
number and location information of wireless callers who contact 911 in our jurisdiction.
• Digital Evidence Management System. Digital Evidence is a software platform system
similar to a document management solution as a platform that supports repository of
current collected public safety records such as 911 calls, Police Record Management
System (RMS), Evidence, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and other evidence forms
such as photos and other media.
• Landline Location Technology. Landline Location Technology is deployed to identify
the location of the caller during an emergency. The information obtained is the address,
floor, office number and/or office/agency name for business lines (landline office phones)
in the City of Cambridge. It does not cover residential properties or other phone listings
as this is for the City of Cambridge business lines (landlines) only. This information is
provided to the 911 operators directly and first responders during an emergency,
providing faster, more effective responses.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). The information
obtained through this platform is not shared with any third party as the information is
presented in real time. The department does share caller information and audio calls with
the Police Department and District Attorney’s Office as they proceed with prosecution.
However, this information is provided through our 911 system, not RapidSOS.
• Digital Evidence Management System. The information obtained through this platform
is shared with authorized law enforcement agencies for prosecutorial purposes on behalf
of the City of Cambridge. The department does not share evidence stored with any
external non-government agency.
• Landline Location Technology. The information obtained utilizing this technology is
not shared with any third party as the information is presented in real time for emergency
service response.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). Yes. RapidSOS
technology platform has been effective in providing location information during
emergency calls for service. The RapidSOS platform continues to enhance capabilities in
aiding in emergency responses.
• Digital Evidence Management System. The department has implemented the Digital
Evidence Management System and has conducted trainings with employees who will be
utilizing the system. The design and implementation of the system has met our
expectations thus far and has improved efficiency and productivity.
• Landline Location Technology. Yes, the technology has been effective in providing
location information during emergency calls for service.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). The department works
with the City Solicitor’s Office on all requests for caller information and audio calls. The
department policy is that we do not release 911 calls, caller information or location
information externally. The only exception is if the caller themselves requests the public
record. The department shares caller information with law enforcement personnel who
are authorized.
• Digital Evidence Management System. The department has worked closely with the
Police Department in implementing the Digital Evidence Management System which is
fully operational. However, the department has not received any public records requests
concerning this technology.
• Landline Location Technology. The department works with the City Solicitor’s Office
on all requests for caller information and audio calls. The department policy is that we
do not release 911 calls, caller information or location information externally. The only
exception is if the caller themselves requests the public record. The department shares
caller information with law enforcement personnel who are authorized.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). The department does
not pay for any services related to this technology as the platform operates within the
State 911, Next Generation 911 system. There is no cost to Public Safety Answering
Points (PSAP).
• Digital Evidence Management System. The department incurs an annual cost of
$141,720.00 for this subscription-based service. Based on our continued efforts of
evidence collection and timeline for prosecution, the department annual costs may
increase due to storage needs in future years.
• Landline Location Technology. The department incurs an annual cost of $18,000.00 per
month for this location information technology service which is provided through a State
911 authorized vendor.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• RapidSOS Emergency Data Integration System (RapidSOS). The department does
not know of any communities disproportionately impacted by RapidSOS as callers who
contact 911 are doing so voluntarily to seek emergency services. When callers do contact
911, all calls are processed according to policy and protocol.
• Digital Evidence Management System. The department does not know of any
communities disproportionately impacted by Digital Evidence Management System. The
system is utilized to record digital evidence for crimes reported, 911 calls made, or media
related to prosecution.
• Landline Location Technology. The department does not know of any communities
disproportionately impacted by using this Landline Location Technology. Callers who
contact 911 are doing so voluntarily to seek emergency services even when utilizing a
City of Cambridge business line (landline). When callers do contact 911, all calls are
processed according to policy and protocol.
7. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Emergency Communications
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Police
Submitted by:
Christina Giacobbe
Date:
02/23/2025
Surveillance Technology:
• Trespass Tracking Database
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Trespass Tracking Database. Information about no trespassing notices and letters
provided to individuals who receive a no trespass order under Massachusetts law are
recorded in the Trespass Tracking database. The Police Department is required to
maintain these notices. All notices and the information in the notice are recorded in our
Trespass Tracking database so that the information can be made readily available to first
responders during calls for service.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• The information maintained in the Trespass Tracking is not shared with external parties.
This information is shared with Cambridge Police to protect property and public safety
and to hold those accountable who violate the orders.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• The Trespass Tracking database has been effective as it maintains up to date records of
active Trespass Orders as well as safeguards those locations to increase public safety and
quality of life.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• There have been no requests made to ECD for this information as it relates to the number
of Trespass Orders or individuals in the database.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• There is no cost for having the database as it is part of our Computer Aided Dispatch
(CAD) platform.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The department does not know of any communities that are disproportionately impacted
by the Trespass Tracking database. Individuals are warned prior to being issued a no
trespass order. The Police Department provides notice and will notify the ECC in the
event a Trespass Order is issued so Emergency Communications can maintain the
database as part of our role in supporting them.
8. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Executive/City Manager
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Public Information Office Communications Office
Submitted by:
Lee Gianetti
Date:
02/20/2025
Surveillance Technology:
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
Media Monitoring - AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company that
monitors media channels and digital/print media platforms to identify relevant content
based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts
database, and is used to distribute city media releases. AgilityPRis also used to monitor
coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest (i.e. sustainability,
construction, transportation, and Visionzero) to compile reports to share with internal
staff.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts, responding
to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and strategy.
Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help solutions (to
open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship management
(CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Media Monitoring – AgiltyPR: This technology allows the City to respond to media
reports regarding the City of Cambridge in a timely and appropriate manner and ensure
the City’s brand is appropriately represented. The platform allows us to measure the
impact of our media outreach efforts and adjust strategy to improve coverage. The tool
provides us with access to journalist and media outlet contacts from across the nation.
The tool centralizes communication efforts that takes place by communications staff
integrated throughout various city departments. It allows for centralized monitoring and
coordination of citywide efforts.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: This tool allows City departments to better
coordinate social media efforts in terms of content reaction, strategy evaluation, and
responsiveness to our followers. Not all departments have migrated into the tool yet but
will in the coming years. The advantage of this tool is that all our social platforms can be
accessed within one account, that is secured by various permission levels. It allows for
quick access and control of City social media accounts during an emergency situation and
provides a way for the city to coordinate the dissemination of information to the public.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• The Public Information Office did not directly receive any public records requests.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• AgilityPR via SHI- $43,476 annual subscription cost from OOM from Public
Information Office budget.
• Sprout Social Via SHI - $48,110 annual subscription cost from OOM from Public
Information Office budget.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The Public Information Office is not aware of any.
9. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Finance
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Assessing
Submitted by:
Gayle Willett
Date:
02/24/25
Surveillance
Technology:
• Atlas RMV Portal
• MUNIS Tax Modules, MA Environmental Police Registration
• LexisNexis
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• The Atlas RMV Portal. This is a web application provided by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts to access the RMV system. The RMV requires municipalities to use the
ATLAS portal for accessing dealer plate information needed for excise tax billing.
Assessing has limited access to this database and only uses it to create excise tax bills for
billing car dealerships with dealer plates in Cambridge.
• MUNIS Tax Modules, MA Environmental Police Registration: The software suite
contains several tax modules (Real Estate, Personal Property, MV Excise, and Boat). The
software processes files in order to generate excise tax bills using registration numbers in
the case of the MV Excise and Boat modules. Access to the MA environmental police
registration database will allow the vetting of duplicate and expired file information to
ensure that the bills that are generated are correct and valid.
• LexisNexis: Assessing uses LexisNexis to review information submitted by taxpayers for
residential exemptions and personal exemptions. This data allows the Assessing
department to vet information received by taxpayers to prevent fraud and ensure that
regular audits are conducted.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Atlas RMV Portal: Yes. Assessing will continue to send out dealer plate excise tax
bills.
• MUNIS Tax Modules, MA Environmental Police Registration: Yes.
• LexisNexis: Yes. LexisNexis is being used to review information submitted by taxpayers
for residential exemptions and personal exemptions. This data allows the Assessing
department to vet information received by taxpayers to prevent fraud and ensure that
regular audits are conducted.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Atlas RMV Portal: All costs associated with Assessing’s use for dealer plates billing are
covered by the RMV.
• MUNIS Tax Modules, MA Environmental Police Registration: All costs associated
with Assessing’s use of the Environmental police database is covered by the state.
• LexisNexis: $240.00 per year.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The department does not know of any communities disproportionately impacted by its
surveillance technology.
• Atlas RMV Portal & MUNIS Tax Modules, MA Environmental Police Registration:
Please note that the technology is only used to search and verify information about car
dealerships and boat owners. The portals provide information that is not available to the
public regarding the number of dealer plates at any dealership in Cambridge and boat
owner information, including: boat type, boat age, boat manufacturer, boat length, status
of registration and expiration date for registration. The Assessing department has limited
access to these databases to three members of the department and has requested the least
amount of information required for sending out dealer plate excise tax bills and boat
excise tax bills.
• LexisNexis: LexisNexis monitors our office’s use to ensure that it is only used for office
purposes and has the ability to audit our use and can terminate our contract for misuse.
10. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Finance
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Revenue
Submitted by:
Michele Kincaid, Angela Brathwaite, Aristides Evora
Date:
2/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• ATLAS RMV Portal
• MUNIS Tax Modules
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• ATLAS RMV Portal: Used by select Finance Staff to release Non-Renewal holds at the
Registry of Motor Vehicles on behalf of taxpayers who have paid their delinquent Motor
Vehicle Excise tax bills.
• MUNIS Tax Modules: Used by Finance Department to create Excise, Real Estate,
Personal Property, and Water Bills.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• ATLAS RMV Portal: The ATLAS Database is used by the Registry of Motor Vehicles
and Municipalities within the Commonwealth. Other Municipalities are able to view a
Cambridge taxpayer’s information, should that taxpayer contact them. For example, upon
logging in to the ATLAS Database, Cambridge Staff would be able to see that a customer
not only has delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise bills in Cambridge, but also delinquent
parking tickets from Belmont. There is no ability for City Staff to modify a record filed
under a different Municipality, or vice versa.
• MUNIS Tax Modules: The data is shared with our bill printers. The City produces
approximately: 50,000 Real Estate bills, 55,000 Excise Tax bills, 2,500 Property Tax
bills, and 65,000 Water bills annually. It is unrealistic for us to print this volume of bills
in house, so we use third party printing services. For Water we use Kirkwood Printing
and for Real Estate/Personal Property/Excise we use PKS – Deputy Collector.
From the Munis software we generate a flat file for the necessary bill type and send that
securely to our printers. Our printers are then able to produce the bills included in the flat
file and mail them on our behalf.
•
Kirkwood Printing and PKS: Deputy Collector work with multiple municipalities
in the Greater Boston Area.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• ATLAS RMV Portal: Extremely effective. The ATLAS Database is an upgrade from
the previous ALARS Database (both provided to Municipalities through the Registry of
Motor Vehicles). The ATLAS Database offers a user-friendly platform that allows City
Staff to provide taxpayers with an accurate view of their driver profile. We can alert
taxpayers to delinquent bills in other Municipalities that they may not have been aware
of.
• MUNIS Tax Modules: Yes. Munis Tax Modules are an effective way for the City to bill
its residents and bring in revenue via Water, Excise, Real Estate, and Personal Property.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• ATLAS RMV Portal. No.
• MUNIS Tax Modules. No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• ATLAS RMV Portal: The City is assessed RMV Fees on the Cherry Sheet
Assessments. There are no personnel costs associated. The current Massachusetts Statutes
authorize the Non-Renew program to charge an RMV Surcharge of $20.00 per each clear
transaction we make through the ATLAS Database. The cost of this Surcharge is built
into the fees that are incurred on delinquent bills.
During the past year there were no costs associated with upgrading, training users, or
maintaining the ATLAS Database.
• MUNIS Tax Modules: The current contract for MUNIS is $127,643.51 for Fiscal Year
2025.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• ATLAS RMV Portal. All drivers within the Commonwealth are subject to Excise tax,
however we can infer that under-privileged economic groups will have more trouble
paying this tax each year and therefore are more likely to have delinquencies with holds
on their accounts. These holds will result in increased interaction with our Department.
Transient individuals will also be subject to a heightened privacy impact. Students
moving to and from the City between semesters, and other individuals coming and going,
may lose track of where their vehicle is registered and may not receive their bill to pay it
on time.
The Finance Department tries to be understanding of people financial situations and we
do offer payment plans on a case by case basis if a taxpayer is in need.
The Finance Department does not keep any additional data on which taxpayers are on
hold or delinquent, aside from the amount of the outstanding bills. We do not maintain
records of personally identifying information regarding taxpayers who make payments or
do not make payments.
• MUNIS Tax Modules. Munis Tax Modules maintain information on any individual with
a vehicle registered in the City, any individual who owns a home or a business in the
City, and any individual who pays water bills for a property in the City. This
encompasses a great number of people.
The Finance Department does not categorize this data into individual sub-categories. All
City Residents are equally represented in the Munis system.
11. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Fire
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Acting Chief Thomas Cahill
Date:
02/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Laryngoscopes
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Laryngoscopes: The GlideScope Video Laryngoscopes were put into service
during 2021. The GlideScope Video Laryngoscope is a lifesaving tool for paramedics
to use in the pre-hospital setting.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a
service (SaaS) that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts,
responding to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and
strategy. Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help
solutions (to open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship
management (CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• No complaints.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No violations.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Laryngoscopes: It has been used several times weekly in emergency situations.
The video capabilities are limited to live view only. We have removed the SD card so
no images are saved or transmitted.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: This tool has allowed the Fire
Department to coordinate social media efforts across various platforms in terms of
information dissemination regarding public safety, current events, and public
relations, as well as receiving feedback. This technology allows us to answer
questions and provide related safety information in a timely manner.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No public record requests received.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Laryngoscopes: $2,250 was spent on accessories for the units.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: No cost to FD, cost covered by
annual subscription cost paid centrally by the City PIO Office.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• Laryngoscopes: No.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: No.
12. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Information Technology
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Mike Dugas
Date:
02/15/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• IP Address Collection Platforms (Multiple)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• IP address collection platforms. The City of Cambridge uses various platforms that
collect IP addresses from internal and external network and internet connections and
connection attempts, e.g., the City website, Find It Cambridge, the City firewall and the
City’s web servers. While the platforms vary, the surveillance capabilities and
functionality are the same. IP address information is used to limit and protect the City
network from malicious sites and unauthorized access.
• The city logs IP addresses on these technologies to aid in data protection, website
performance, and relevancy of content and services to users.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No. This data is not shared with any third parties.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• No complaints have been received about IP collection.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes. The City firewall and web servers, and the IP collection through the City’s websites
have been effective.
• The Cambridge firewall is achieving its identified purpose. Currently we block:
o about 1.5 Million overall events per day;
o 100-200 critical events daily; and
o 10-25 anti-bot events daily.
o If the firewall misses a malicious IP, the logs on web servers are critical to
diagnose site performance on a security perspective.
• The City of Cambridge collects information about visitors to public websites. This
information has been leveraged to help better manage the sites. We have used this
information to learn how many visitors we have, the websites they are coming from,
which parts of our web site are of most interest to users and other facts that inform how
ITD continuously improves the City’s website and online services.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Firewall
o $20,000 ongoing training.
o $85,000 annual maintenance.
• Website(s)
o Hosted on a Virtual Host which contains many servers, making a cost estimate
difficult to pinpoint. Estimate $60,000 annual cost.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• No. The IP address collection platforms, through the City’s firewall and website(s),
automatically operate on industry standard methodologies. They impact all individuals
attempting to access the City’s websites in the same way.
13. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Law
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Submitted by:
Megan B. Bayer
Date:
02/24/25
Surveillance Technology:
• WestLaw Public Records Search function
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• WestLaw Public Records Search function. This is a subscription service that is a part of
WestLaw which allows users to search and gather information from various public
records.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• In circumstances where there are technical difficulties with the software, the vendor,
rather than the attorney, performs the search and provides the report.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• The WestLaw subscription total cost is not broken down by feature.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• No. This technology is only used on an as-needed basis to search public records for
filings or documents to be used in legal proceedings.
14. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Library
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Submitted by:
Maria McCauley
Date:
2/24/25
Surveillance
Technology:
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social
• Social Work Case Management Software – CharityTracker from
Simon Solutions
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company
that monitors media channels and social media platforms to identify relevant content
based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts
database, and is used to distribute city media releases. AgilityPR is also used to monitor
coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest (i.e. the Library). The
Library primarily uses this service to distribute press releases and media advisories.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) that allows the City to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts, responding
to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and strategy.
Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help solutions (to
open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship management
(CRM) for staff within the platform. The Library is not actively using these features at
this time.
• Social Work Case Management Software- CharityTracker from Simon Solutions:
This cloud-based, HIPAA compliant software allows the Library Social Worker and
social work interns to track client and case information for patrons who request social
work services.
• Note: A STIR for Patron Incident Tracking Software was approved on 9/9/24. The
hosting agreement is still being reviewed by the Law Department and Purchasing, so it
has not been used yet.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR: No surveillance data from AgilityPR has been shared
with a third-party.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: No surveillance data has been shared with a
third-party.
• Social Work Case Management Software- CharityTracker from Simon Solutions:
CharityTracker does not share data with any external third parties.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR: The Library primarily uses AgilityPR to distribute
press releases and media advisories. It has provided helpful efficiencies and flexibility to
reach different outreach lists. From March 1, 2024 to February 24, 2025, the Library
distributed 33 press releases and media advisories to promote library news, programs, and
services.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: This tool allows the Library to better
coordinate social media efforts in terms of content reaction, strategy evaluation, and
responsiveness to our followers. The advantage of this tool is that all our social platforms
can be accessed within one account, that is secured by various permission levels. It
allows for quick access and control of City social media accounts during an emergency
situation and provides a way for the city to coordinate the dissemination of information to
the public.
• Social Work Case Management Software- CharityTracker from Simon Solutions:.
Use of this technology has allowed the Library social worker and social work interns to
record client data, including clinical or case management notes, to better serve Library
patrons in need of social services. The database employs 256-bit SSL encryption, is
HIPAA-compliant, and is password protected.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• The Library did not receive any public records requests concerning this technology.
7. How much did it cost to acquire and operate Surveillance Technology?
• Media Monitoring - AgilityPR: The Library uses the City-wide subscription via access
provided by the Public Information Office.
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: The Library uses the City-wide
subscription via access provided by the Public Information Office.
• Social Work Case Management Software- CharityTracker from Simon Solutions:
The annual licensing fee for the software is $1,440 which is paid for using the Library’s
Professional and Technical Services budget (OOM). There are no additional costs beyond
the licensing fee.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The Library is not aware of any.
15. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Body Worn Cameras Unit
Submitted by:
Deputy Vellucci
Date:
2/13/25
Surveillance
Technology:
• Body Worn Cameras (BWC)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
Body Worn Cameras were not deployed. It is anticipated that Body Worn Cameras
will be implemented in Spring of 2025.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third party?
•
No, data from this technology has been shared with a third party.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
There have been no complaints regarding the use of this technology.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
There were no violations of the Surveillance Use Policy regarding this technology.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
Yes: However, the technology was not deployed. All requests were informed that no
video footage was available.
•
On 10/10/24 CPD received a request for the BWC footage pertaining to a motor
vehicle crash (no video available).
•
On 8/31/24 CPD received a request for BWC footage pertaining to an arrest (no video
available).
•
On 1/26/25 CPD received a request for BWC footage pertaining to an arrest (no video
available).
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
$359,079.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
No communities in the city have been impacted by this technology.
16. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
CID and Professional Standards Unit
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/25/2025
Surveillance Technology: • Case Cracker by Onyx
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
Case Cracker by Onyx is a police interview room audiovisual recording management
system. Case Cracker allows authorized users to monitor interviews being conducted in
dedicated interview rooms and later playback or export the interview for evidentiary
purposes as needed.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
Yes. The Department provides the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office with interview
recordings when required as part of the mandatory discovery process in criminal
proceedings.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
Yes. Case Cracker has been effectively used in the Criminal Investigations Section and
Professional Standards Unit to monitor and record interviews. Investigators have been
able to successfully utilize the technology to playback and review their interviews to
assist with report writing and preparing evidence in legal proceedings.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
None.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by this
technology. Recordings are all done voluntarily. Audiovisual recordings are posited to
alleviate public concerns connected with suspect treatment in custodial settings. There is
a compelling societal interest in requiring the video recording of police interviews and
interrogations. The benefits of recording custodial interrogations go above and beyond
transparency and extend not only to the accused, but also to the police, defense attorneys,
prosecutors, fact finders, and the public.
17.CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
CIS Days, DV/SA & Cyber
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/18/2025
Surveillance Technology: • GPS tracking devices (2)
• Digital Intelligence Workstation
• Dell Laptop BCERT
• Magnet Forensics – Axiom
• Cellebrite
• SoundThinking’s Acoustic Gunshot Detection Technology
(ShotSpotter)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• GPS Tracking Devices:
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that makes possible exact
location tracking through satellite trilateration using a network of satellites
orbiting the Earth. The satellites can communicate with specialized receivers on
the ground, providing the exact location of the receiver.
The CPD possesses and utilizes two of these receivers to assist in certain criminal
investigations (thefts of bicycles and packages). A GPS device is attached to a
bicycle or package that might be stolen and, if a theft occurs, CPD tracks the item.
• Cell phone and computer forensic analysis tools:
Digital Intelligence Workstation:
Digital Intelligence Workstation is one of many tools utilized by the
Criminal Investigation’s Cybercrime Unit to investigate computer-related
crimes. This hardware allows Cybercrime Detectives to “image” a hard-
drive for future analysis by computer software tools using Axiom-Magnet
Forensics.
Dell Laptop BCERT:
Dell Laptop BCERT is hardware that is utilized to recover evidence from
computer equipment (hard-drives, etc.). All evidence collection would be
obtained with a court ordered search warrant or owner’s consent.
Magnet Forensics – Axiom:
Axiom-Magnet Forensics is software that can analyze the history of a file,
recover digital evidence and analyze and report on digital evidence. All
evidence collection would be obtained with a court ordered search warrant
or owner’s consent.
o Cellebrite:
Cellebrite is a forensic software tool used to analyze digital evidence in a
similar fashion to Axiom-Magnet Forensics. Cellebrite is utilized for iOS
and newer cellular phones, whereas Axiom is used by detectives for
Androids and older cellular phones. All evidence collection would be
obtained with a court ordered search warrant or owner’s consent.
• ShotSpotter:
SoundThinking’s ShotSpotter is an acoustic gunshot detection technology that uses
acoustic sensors to connect wirelessly to ShotSpotter’s centralized, cloud-based
application to detect and accurately locate gunshots using triangulation.
Sensors are only triggered when at least three can simultaneously detect the same, loud,
gunshot like sound and can verify a location. This automatically sends a short audio
snippet to the ShotSpotter Incident Review Center (IRC) in Washington DC. The IRC
analyzes the recording to confirm gunfire, before alerting the police. This entire process
from the sound occurring to police notification typically takes place in under a minute.
The use of ShotSpotter allows Cambridge Police Officers to respond to higher percentage
of gunfire incidents, improve response times to crime scenes to better aid victims and
find witnesses and help police locate key evidence to identify and investigate suspects.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• ShotSpotter:
Yes, Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR) law enforcement agencies can
receive Cambridge ShotSpotter notifications for officer and public safety reasons.
However, no personal identifiable information is associated with a ShotSpotter incident.
Live streaming of sensor audio is not possible by ShotSpotter employees, police or third
parties.
• For all technologies: The Department provides the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
with mandatory discovery on all criminal prosecutions.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• GPS Tracking Devices:
Yes, the technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. The
technology has allowed the Department to identify a number of bike and package
thefts again this year.
• Cell phone and computer forensic analysis tools:
Digital Intelligence Workstation; Dell Laptop BCERT; Magnet Forensics –
Axiom; Cellebrite and Getdata Forensic Explorer:
Yes, the technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. The
technology has allowed detectives from the Department’s Cyber Unit to
effectively search and analyze computers and cell phones in dozens of criminal
investigations.
• ShotSpotter:
Yes, some specific examples are:
05/23/2024: Donnelly Field Shooting with ShotSpotter activation. 2 victims suffering
from gunshot wounds (GSW) were quickly located and treated by officers. Ballistic
evidence was located. This led to 2 arrests being made by detectives.
07/16/24: Harvard Street Shooting with ShotSpotter activation. 1 victim was quickly
located suffering from GSW and treated by officers. Ballistic evidence was recovered. An
illegal Firearm was recovered. Led to a Search Warrant being executed. Still active
investigation.
07/21/2024: Fairmont Street Shooting with ShotSpotter activation. Ballistic evidence was
located. Still active investigation.
08/24/2025: Harvard Street Shooting with ShotSpotter activation. Very accurate
triangulation assisted in locating ballistic evidence in a small dimly lit parking lot. Still
active investigation.
08/16/2024: Investigators received a NIBIN lead from the ATF noting that there was a
link between ballistic evidence located at a 2022 Cambridge ShotSpotter activation and a
firearm recovered from Boston PD in an illegal possession/sale of firearm case (2024).
This was also linked to 2 New Bedford shootings (2022) and another Boston shooting
with property damage (2023).
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• GPS Tracking Devices:
None.
• Cell phone and computer forensic analysis tools:
Digital Intelligence Workstation; Dell Laptop BCERT; Magnet Forensics –
Axiom; Cellebrite and Getdata Forensic Explorer:
Cellebrite: $4,300
Magnet Forensics-Axiom: $6,235
• ShotSpotter:
Approximately $50k/year which is funded by Urban Area Security Initiative
(UASI).
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• GPS Tracking Devices:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. While the privacy implications for tracking individuals and items
using GPS are wide-ranging; the technology as currently employed by the
Cambridge Police Department should have no disproportionate impact because it
is only utilized to track property (bikes/packages) stolen from the Cambridge
Police Department.
• Cell phone and computer forensic analysis tools:
Digital Intelligence Workstation; Dell Laptop BCERT; Magnet Forensics –
Axiom; Cellebrite:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by this
technology. Where police engage in a search of any type, privacy concerns are at their
highest. This technology is utilized in a wide range of investigations in which a cell
phone or computer device is lawfully seized. This technology is only utilized where
there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, after consent is provided or a search
warrant is obtained.
• ShotSpotter:
None known. Human voices will never trigger a sensor because they do not produce an
instantaneous sharp sound and are not loud enough to be picked up by three or more
sensors.
A data driven approach based on the prevalence of gunfire and/or gunshot victims, was
used to determine the 1.1-square-mile geographic area to be covered. The high
concentration of these calls has persisted in the same region of the city since first
installed. Police do not determine where to place sensors and do not have access to a
database of sensor locations.
18. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Crime Analysis & CID
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/19/2025
Surveillance Technology: • BRIC Crime View Dashboard (Formerly Omega Dashboard)
• CrimeTracer (Formerly Coplink)
• QED
• Incident Database
• LexisNexis – Accurint for Law Enforcement
• LENS
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard:
BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard (formerly Omega Dashboard) is the Intel portal
for Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC). The BRIC works at the forefront
of intelligence collection and analysis. The BRIC allows for a regional approach
to analyze whether crimes are interconnected by geography, type, or method. The
BRIC covers the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR), consisting
of: Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Quincy, Revere, Somerville,
Winthrop, The Greater Boston Police Council (Boston Area Police Emergency
Radio Network—BAPERN), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
(MBTA), Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), and Metro Fire Association.
In order to have the most complete accounting of what crimes and trends are
impacting the region, it is necessary for all cities and towns, including Cambridge,
to contribute intelligence information. As such, the Cambridge Police Department
contributes the following information: Approved arrest reports and Field
Interview and Observation (FIO) reports for certain cases (Confidential items, i.e.,
specifically marked domestic, juvenile, and sexual assault reports are excluded).
• CrimeTracer:
CrimeTracer (formerly COPLINK) is one of the “solutions and services” provided
through NESPIN (New England State Police Information Network®).
CrimeTracer is a data sharing and crime analytics platform.
NESPIN (New England State Police Information Network®) is the local arm of a
national project known as the RISS Program (Regional Information Sharing
Systems). The goal of RISS is to assist local, state, federal and tribal Criminal
Justice partners by providing adaptive solutions and services that facilitate
information sharing, support criminal investigations, and promote officer safety.
NESPIN is one of only six RISS centers operating nationwide.
• QED:
QED currently functions as CPD’s Record Management System (RMS). A
records management system (RMS) is “an agency-wide system that provides for
the storage, retrieval, retention, manipulation, archiving, and viewing of
information, records, documents, or files pertaining to law enforcement
operations. In this context, records are limited to documents or electronic files
directly related to law enforcement operations such as incident and accident
reports, arrests, citations, warrants, case management, field contacts, etc.”
• Incident Database:
The Incident Database is a Microsoft® Access database of corrected Records
Management System Data. The database is used to “clean up” or to keep a more
accurate record of the data that comes into the Records Management System
(RMS) (i.e., initially an entry may be coded as a Larceny Motor Vehicle (L-MV)
but through investigation it is determined to be a House Break where a L-MV also
occurred—this database accurately reflects the appropriate Uniform Crime
Reporting/National Incident-Based Reporting System code).
• LexisNexis – Accurint® for Law Enforcement:
LexisNexis is a search engine. Users pay a fee to search public records and other
information compiled by the provider. It serves as a research tool used to locate
people, companies, businesses, phone numbers, properties and fragments of
information; this information helps to create a more complete picture of what we
are investigating. (e.g., the Department entered the name and phone number of an
individual who had been the victim of a scam, this search lead us to where the
“scammer” found the victim’s information, potentially creating a solid
investigative lead).
No other products offered by LexisNexis are currently in use by this unit.
• LENS (Law Enforcement Notification System):
The Law Enforcement Notification System (LENS) is a web-based system which
provides local law enforcement with information on federal offenders currently on
supervision with the U.S. Courts. This release of information is required by the
Violent Crime Control Act of 1994. Qualifying offenders include those convicted
of certain drug trafficking crimes, crimes of violence, sex offenses and those
convicted of internet child pornography offenses included as part of the Sex
Offender Registration and Notification Act. LENS allows real time updates
regarding these offenders and provides the ability to search neighboring
jurisdictions and nationwide.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard (FKA Omega Dashboard): Yes. The
Department shares incident data with the BRIC on a daily basis for effective regional
law enforcement.
• CrimeTracer (FKA Coplink): Yes. The Department shares incident data with
CrimeTracer on a daily basis for effective statewide law enforcement.
• QED: Yes. The Department regularly shares incident data with fellow law
enforcement and provides records for public records requests.
• Incident Database: Yes. The Crime Analysis Unit creates weekly, monthly and
annual reports based on this crime data.
• For all other technologies: The Department provides the Middlesex District
Attorney’s Office with mandatory discovery on all criminal prosecutions.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard (FKA Omega Dashboard):
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
technology allows the Department to obtain regional crime data (and crime
mapping) about local offenders/offenses on a daily basis to help effectively solve
crime and make arrests.
• CrimeTracer (FKA Coplink):
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
technology allows the Department to obtain statewide crime data (and crime
mapping) about local offenders/offenses on a daily basis to help effectively solve
crime, make arrests and licensing decisions.
• QED:
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. QED
serves as the central report writing and incident documentation system for the
Department. The Department is required by state and federal law, as well as court
procedural rules to document a variety of police encounters, whether for criminal,
civil or administrative matters.
• Incident Database:
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
database is a condensed accounting of QED incidents for purposes of crime
incident statistical reporting. This database is effectively utilized for weekly,
monthly and annual crime reporting.
• LexisNexis - Accurint® for Law Enforcement:
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
technology allows Department personnel to effectively search public records and
publicly available records to locate offenders, victims and witnesses for criminal
investigations and trials. This database is also an effective tool for licensing
decisions.
• LENS:
Yes, this technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
technology allows the Department to identify Cambridge residents who are on
federal probation.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard (FKA Omega Dashboard):
The BRIC Omega Dashboard has no financial costs to the City of Cambridge. It is
funded by the Department of Homeland Security.
• CrimeTracer (FKA Coplink):
RISS/NESPIN/COPLINK has no financial costs to the City of Cambridge. It is
funded by the federal government.
• QED:
QED is a longstanding multi-agency product (Police, Fire, ECD). Its initial costs
are unknown. According to the Director of ECD the combined annual
maintenance cost for all three agencies is $60K.
• Incident Database:
This database is created using Microsoft® Access, available through the City’s
Microsoft Office suite, and is of little to no cost to the Department.
• LexisNexis – Accurint® For Law Enforcement:
$33,377.40.
• LENS:
There are no costs to CPD, the program is federally managed and funded.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• BRIC Crime Explorer Dashboard (FKA Omega Dashboard):
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. However, anytime that large amounts of intelligence information
are gathered, significant privacy implications exist. The BRIC maintains a strict
policy designed to “protect individual privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and
other protected interests” [Boston Regional Intelligence Center Privacy, Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Policy].
▪ The 43-page policy states [in part]: The BRIC will not seek or retain and
originating agencies will agree to not submit information about individuals
or organizations solely on the basis of their religious, political, or social
views or activities; their participation in a particular noncriminal
organization or lawful event; or their races, ethnicities, citizenship, places
of origin, ages, disabilities, genders, or sexual orientation.
The Cambridge Police are committed to responsibly accessing regional systems in
manners that are consistent with Cambridge values and in compliance with its
ordinances and practices. Based on its current usage and the significant safeguards
in place, this technology has a minimal privacy impact on Cantabrigians and
surrounding communities.
• CrimeTracer (FKA Coplink):
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. The NESPIN/RISS Centers operate their intelligence system
under the Criminal Intelligence Systems Operating Policies (28 Code of Federal
Regulations [CFR] Part 23). All RISS member agencies have agreed to comply
with the requirements of 28 CFR Part 23 with respect to any criminal information
they submit into an applicable RISS Criminal Intelligence Database (RISS/Intel).
RISS has adopted a comprehensive privacy policy to protect individual privacy,
civil rights, civil liberties, and other protected interests [RISS's Commitment to
Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties].
The Cambridge Police Department is committed to responsibly accessing regional
systems in manners that are consistent with Cambridge values and in compliance
with its ordinances and practices.
• QED:
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. QED serves as the central report writing and incident
documentation system for the Department. The Department is required by state
and federal law, as well as court procedural rules to document a variety of police
encounters, whether for criminal, civil or administrative matters.
The Cambridge Police Department is committed to responsibly maintaining
systems in manners that are consistent with Cambridge values and in compliance
with its ordinances and practices. Only CJIS Compliant Certified Public Safety
Employees in the performance of their official duties may access, use or
disseminate information contained in QED for official and lawful criminal justice
purposes. Based on its current usage and the significant safeguards in place, this
technology has a minimal privacy impact on Cantabrigians and surrounding
communities.
• Incident Database:
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. This database is a condensed and corrected accounting of QED
incidents for purposes of crime incident statistical reporting. The Department is
required by state and federal law, as well as court procedural rules to document a
variety of police encounters, whether for criminal, civil or administrative matters.
The Cambridge Police Department is committed to responsibly maintaining
systems in manners that are consistent with Cambridge values and in compliance
with its ordinances and practices. Only CJIS Compliant Certified Public Safety
Employees in the performance of their official duties may access, use or
disseminate information contained in this limited database for official and lawful
criminal justice purposes. Based on its current usage and the significant
safeguards in place, this technology has a minimal privacy impact on
Cantabrigians and surrounding communities.
• LexisNexis – Accurint® for Law Enforcement:
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. LexisNexis is a private, for-profit company that provides its
service for a fee. The Cambridge Police Department is committed to responsibly
accessing this service in a manner that is consistent with Cambridge’s values.
• LENS:
The Department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. This technology has a minimal impact as the Department only
has access to information about those individuals who are Cambridge residents
that are on federal probation. The information is accessed via restricted web site
for official use only, and provided through federally managed application/portal.
Only CJIS Compliant Certified Public Safety Employees in the performance of
their official duties may access, use or disseminate information contained in
LENS for official and lawful criminal justice purposes. The LENS web site
informs users that “…Unauthorized use is subject to prosecution under Title 18 of
the U.S. Code”, and that “…all activities and access attempts are logged”
19. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Crime Scene Services, Booking and Records
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date
2/13/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Morpho (soon to be ABIS) -Automated Fingerprint Identification
System(AFIS) with camera (Massachusetts State Police (MSP)
System)
• Live Scan (3 devices)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Morpho (ABIS) AFIS:
A fingerprint database through the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). It allows
the Department’s Crime Scene Serves Section to compare unknown latent
fingerprints to a state and federal database of known fingerprints when
investigating criminal activity.
• Live Scan:
Digital fingerprint system with live feed to the Massachusetts State Police and
Federal Bureau of Investigation for identification and criminal history. Live Scan
is used to document and identify persons in lawful police custody or those persons
who voluntarily wish to be fingerprinted. The technology is also utilized for
statutorily mandated background checks for firearms licensing and to comply with
federal and state security requirements for City employees
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• Morpho (ABIS) AFIS:
For each case where this technology is utilized, data is shared with the MSP. If a
latent print is identified to a known print by members of the Department’s Crime
Scene Services Unit, the data will be shared with an external police department
for verification purposes under the ACE-V methodology for fingerprint analysis.
• Live Scan:
Every live scan entry is shared with the FBI and MSP. The FBI shares
fingerprints with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland
Security.
• For both technologies: The Department provides the Middlesex District Attorney’s
Office with mandatory discovery on all criminal prosecutions.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Morpho (ABIS) AFIS:
Yes. Technology has been effective in achieving the stated purpose. The
technology has allowed the Department to identify a number of offenders based
on latent fingerprints left at crime scenes or on evidence
• Live Scan:
Yes. Technology has been effective in achieving the stated purpose. The
technology allows the Department to verify the identity of someone in police
custody and obtain their federal and state criminal history for law enforcement
purposes. The technology is also effective for completing firearms licensing
background checks and security requirements for City employees.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Morpho (ABIS) AFIS: Annual maintenance costs are approximately $6, 127.00
• (3) Live scans: Annual maintenance costs are approximately $6, 411.00
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• Morpho (ABIS) AFIS:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. It is utilized to analyze all unknown latent fingerprints recovered
from a crime scene or evidence.
• Live Scan:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. This technology is used to document and identify all persons in
lawful police custody. This technology is also utilized for all persons voluntarily
seeking to be fingerprinted, voluntarily applying for a license to carry a firearm,
or who voluntarily seek unattended access to the police station.
20. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
EOD
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/17/2025
Surveillance Technology: • Wireless Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) robots with
cameras: Robotex Avatar II 2 (3); Foster Miller Tallon 4;
Foster Miller Dragon Runner 4; Remotetec F6A 4 with
fiberoptic
• Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope
• ATF Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Wireless EOD robots with cameras:
These devices provide robot gripper and camera assistance that can be remotely
deployed to provide a live image of a suspected explosive device. The devices
are various sizes: Robotex Avatar II 2 is a small platform, Foster Miller Tallon 4
& Foster Miller Dragon Runner 4 are medium platform, and the Remotetec F6A 4
with fiberoptic is a large platform.
These devices provide fast and reliable threat assessment for explosive ordinance
disposal and bomb technicians. Grippers allow for device manipulation. Cameras
allow for visual inspection via distance.
• Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope:
Optical scope technology used to view enclosed or secure areas for explosive
mitigation.
Provides fast and reliable threat assessment for EOD and bomb technicians.
• ATF BATS:
The Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) is a web-based case management
system that allows state and local arson and explosive investigators access to up-
to-date arson and explosive data from across the nation.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• Wireless EOD robots with cameras and Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope:
No. The EOD does not use this technology to record any data.
• ATF BATS:
Yes. The Department enters bomb and arson cases into this system, which are
shared with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF).
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Wireless EOD robots with cameras and Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope:
Yes. The technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This
technology has been regularly deployed to determine whether explosive devices
are in a given location or piece of property.
• ATF BATS:
Yes. The technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. The
technology allows the Department’s EOD to report and track arson and bomb
cases.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Wireless EOD robots with cameras:
$3,836.
• Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope:
None.
• ATF BATS:
None. Access provided by ATF at no charge.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• Wireless EOD robots with cameras and Tactical Electronics VF52 Fiber Scope:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. This technology is utilized minimally during exigent
circumstances when an explosive device is believed to be present. The images
captured are only of the suspected explosive device and its immediate
surroundings.
• ATF BATS:
The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by
this technology. This technology is only used to track arson and bomb incidents.
21. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Fleet
Submitted by:
Commissioner Elow
Date:
2/19/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Prisoner Transport Security Cameras (Transport Wagon 236, 237 &
240)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Prisoner Transport Security Cameras. Prisoner Transport Security Cameras provide
enhanced safety for transporting officers and prisoners by recording the circumstances of
individuals’ transportation by CPD.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• For all technologies: The Department provides the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
with mandatory discovery on all criminal prosecutions.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes. This technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. The cameras are
used to view people lawfully in police custody who are being transported by the
Department and are effectively used for their safety and the safety of the transport
officers.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• None.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by this
technology. This technology is only used to view people lawfully in police custody who
are being transported by the Department and is implemented strictly for their safety and
the safety of the transporting officers. The information is saved for 14 days and is
automatically written over unless affirmative action is taken to save a particular piece of
footage.
22. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
PIO
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/215/2025
Surveillance Technology: • X Pro (formerly TweetDeck)
• Media Monitoring - Agility PR
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• X Pro: (formerly known as TweetDeck) is a social media dashboard application for
management of Twitter accounts. Originally an independent app, X Pro was subsequently
acquired by X.com. and integrated into X’s interface. X Pro allows users to organize and
search Posts in various ways.
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company that monitors
media channels and social media platforms to identify relevant content based on keyword
search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts database and is used to
distribute CPD media announcements. AgilityPR is also used to monitor media coverage
of the Cambridge Police Department and to compile daily news coverage reports with
internal staff.
• Social Media Monitoring - Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) that allows the CPD to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts, respond to
messages on various social media platforms, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social
media efforts and strategy. Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to
external help solutions (to open service request tickets) and provides a social customer
relationship management (CRM) for staff within the platform.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• None, other than the actual posting of social media on social media platforms.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes, the technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This technology
has allowed the PIO to view mentions and posts about the Department, as well as help
shape the Department’s social media strategy.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• The Public Information Office did not directly receive any public records requests.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• X Pro is a free application in X.
• Agility PR and Sprout Social are funded by the annual subscription costs paid by the
City’s Public Information Office.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• The department is not aware of any community disproportionately impacted by these
technologies. This technology has a minimal impact as the software merely aggregates
publicly available news coverage, social media posts and mentions.
23. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Professional Standards Unit
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/10/2025
Surveillance Technology: • Infraware
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Infraware. Infraware is dictation software that records a person’s voice for transcription
purposes.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• Copies of interview transcripts have been produced for criminal proceedings.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes. The technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This technology
has allowed the PSU to obtain transcripts for internal investigations.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• $2,072.47.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• No. This technology is utilized to obtain transcripts of voluntary interviews given during
internal PSU investigations.
24. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Cambridge Police Department
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Criminal Investigations Section (CIS)
Submitted by:
Detective Lieutenant Cherubino
Date:
02/19/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Covert Cameras (Axis M5528-E and Axis M5075-G)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
Covert cameras are deployed only in serious cases that pose a significant security or
public safety risk. Cameras are placed in specified locations to capture images of
suspected illegal activity. Per policy, these cameras cannot be deployed without the
approval of a Police Superintendent or the Police Commissioner.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
The Department provides the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office with mandatory
discovery on all criminal prosecutions.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Yes, it was utilized in furthering the following criminal investigations;
o On 05/24/24, a pole camera was placed on Green Street near the Green Street
garage in support of a drug investigation. The camera was removed on
08/01/2024.
o On 08/05/2024, a pole camera was placed at 120 Harvard Street in support of
stopping the gun violence taking place in the Port neighborhood. The camera was
removed on 09/09/2024.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
None. Axis Communications provided the cameras on loan to the department.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
The Department is not aware of any community being disproportionately impacted by
this technology. Covert cameras are deployed only in serious cases that pose a significant
security or public safety risk, and with prior approval.
25. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police Department
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Special Response Team (SRT)
Submitted by:
Commissioner Christine Elow
Date:
02/13/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Throwbot XT
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Throwbot XT. This technology is a throwable micro-robot platform that enables
operators to obtain instantaneous video and audio. The device does not record. It can be
placed, or made to travel (crawl), into hazardous situations (without risking human
exposure to harm) in order to allow operators to quickly make informed decisions when
seconds count. This device was not deployed in 2022.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
None.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
The technology has been effective in realizing the stated purpose. This technology has
allowed the Special Response Team to assess whether a threat exists before making
lawful entry or taking further action.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
None.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
The department does not know of any community disproportionately impacted by this
technology. This technology is used in minimal situations where an exigency exists, and
the Special Response Team needs to assess whether a threat exists before making lawful
entry or taking further action. The audio and video captured in real time are not recorded
or stored.
26. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police Department
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Criminal Investigations Section
Submitted by:
Supt. Cabral
Date:
February 19, 2025,
Surveillance
Technology:
• Public Safety Cameras
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
The police Department is still in the process of procuring this technology. It has not
been deployed.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
This technology has not been deployed. No data was shared with a third party.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
The department has not received any complaints regarding this technology.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
There were no violations of the Surveillance Use Policy regarding this technology.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
We have not received any public records requests for this technology.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
There have been co costs associated with this technology.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
There have been no communities impacted by this technology.
27. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police Department
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Criminal Investigations Section
Submitted by:
Supt. Cabral
Date:
February 19, 2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Locked Cellular Device Access Software
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
There has been no data from the technology share with a third-party.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
We have received no complaints regarding this technology.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
There have been no violations of the Surveillance Use Police regarding this technology.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
We have received no public records requests regarding this technology.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
There have been no costs associated with this technology.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
No communities have been impacted by this technology.
28. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police Department
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Criminal Investigations
Submitted by:
Supt. Cabral
Date:
Surveillance
Technology:
• Automated License Plate Recognition
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
There has been no surveillance data from this technology shared with a third party.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
There have been no complaints regarding this technology.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
There have been no violations of the Surveillance Use Policy regarding this
technology.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
This technology has not been deployed.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
The department has not received any public records requests regarding this
technology.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
There have been no costs associated with this technology.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
No communities have been impacted by the technology.
29. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Cambridge Police
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Criminal Investigations Section
Submitted by:
Detective Lieutenant Michael Cherubino
Date:
02/13/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• NameUs
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
NameUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System): NamUs is a national
database and resource center for missing, unidentified and unclaimed persons cases
throughout the United States. NameUs is the nation’s only centralized federal program
that offers free forensic, investigative, and analytical services to resolve all long-term
missing and unidentified cases.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
Yes. Detectives occasionally enter case data allowing them to search and crossmatch
missing person cases with unidentified remains records to resolve cases and bring
resolution to families. Only vetted professional users like law enforcement, medical
examiners, coroners, and allied forensic professionals can view sensitive case details and
fully access the database.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
Yes, nationwide, NamUs has assisted with the resolution of over 46,600 missing,
unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases. NamUs has brought additional attention and
awareness to long term missing persons cases that CPD has been investigating.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
None.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
All NamUs services and resources are provided at no cost. The National Institute of
Justice (NIJ) funds and administers NamUs.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
None.
30. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Police
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Clinical Support Unit
Submitted by:
James Barrett
Date:
2/18/25
Surveillance
Technology:
• CIMS
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
•
CIMS (Critical Incident Management System). CIMS is a software product developed to
support countywide police led programs intending to document all overdose incidents
within county jurisdictions, document all outreach attempts to individuals who have
overdosed or are at-risk for overdose, and facilitate the transition of those experiencing
drug overdoses to treatment.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
Providers and first responders who are part of the CIMS database are able to access the
data, however it is not shared with any 3rd parties outside of CIMS.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
•
We have not received any complaints related to CIMS.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
•
None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
•
Yes. We were able to receive notification that 12 Cambridge residents had overdosed in
another town and were at high risk of another incident. We were also able to enter and
alert surrounding towns that 9 of their respective residents had experienced an overdose
in our city so that their community response team could follow up with them in their
community.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
•
We did not receive any public records requests related to CIMS.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
•
No cost.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
•
We did not identify any communities that would be disproportionately impacted by
CIMS.
31. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Public Health
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Public Health Nursing
Epidemiology and Data Services
Submitted by:
Derrick Neal & Anna Kaplan
Date:
02/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• MAVEN (Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• MAVEN (Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network). MAVEN is a PHIN (Public
Health Information Network) compliant, secure web-based surveillance and case
management system for infectious diseases that enables rapid, efficient communication
among local and state health departments and laboratories. MAVEN allows the
department to conduct case investigations and case management in collaboration with
other local boards of health.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
•
Surveillance data is only shared with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, as
required by state law.
• Within MAVEN, we also occasionally share case data with other local boards of health in
order to collaborate on an investigation. For example, a Cambridge resident who works at
a business in Lexington may be shared with the Lexington Board of Health, within the
MAVEN system.
• Beginning in March 2022, Cambridge received a grant along with Revere, Chelsea, and
Winthrop to operate a shared COVID-19 case investigation team in collaboration with
MAPC as the coordinating body. Three staff are based at the Cambridge Public Health
Department, and three staff are employed by MAPC. These staff have MAVEN access to
COVID-19 cases in the four cities and towns. Summary reports of these efforts are
regularly shared with representatives from the four cities and towns.
• Aggregated data and data analysis were shared with the public via the City's COVID-19
Data Dashboard. These are not shared in any identifiable way. The dashboard is no
longer updated as of the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May 2023,
but historic data remain available via the City’s Open Data Portal.
• Aggregated data and analysis will occasionally be shared through public reporting,
similar to how COVID-19 data were previously presented, including other reportable
communicable diseases. CPHD will adhere to privacy guidelines and will not share any
identifiable information.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• MAVEN remains an essential tool for CPHD to complete state-mandated infectious
disease investigation work. For example, in 2024, , CPHD received reports of 194
reportable and investigatable infectious diseases among Cambridge residents, excluding
COVID-19 and reportable diseases that do not require investigation, such as influenza.
• Any follow up and investigation is logged in MAVEN by public health nursing and
epidemiology staff. For example, a person living in Cambridge who tests positive for
norovirus will trigger a notification to CPHD. All information, including symptoms,
contacts, and behaviors related to transmission, are logged in MAVEN.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• None
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Costs for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of MAVEN are covered by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health. CPHD staff use MAVEN to do state-
mandated infectious disease investigations but are not involved in maintenance of the
system.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• All confirmed and suspected cases of reportable infectious diseases among Cambridge
residents are required to be reported to the state health department and/or the Cambridge
Public Health Department via MAVEN, where they are managed and investigated.
Representation in the MAVEN system is a function of the distribution of disease in the
Cambridge population and the health care utilization rates among Cambridge residents,
both of which may vary by sub-group within Cambridge. Wherever possible, CPHD
considers the potential over- or under-representation of marginalized communities in
Cambridge in our infectious disease investigation work.
32. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Public Works
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Community Relations
Submitted by:
Jennifer Mathews
Date:
2/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
•
Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a software as a service
(SaaS) company that allows DPW to coordinate the scheduling of social media posts,
respond to messages, and evaluate the effectiveness of our social media efforts and
strategy. Additionally, Sprout Social allows for direct connection to external help
solutions (to open service request tickets) and provides a social customer relationship
management (CRM) for staff within the platform.
• Media Monitoring – AgilityPR: AgilityPR is a software as a service (SaaS) company
that monitors media channels and digital/print media platforms to identify relevant
content based on keyword search terms. The platform provides access to a media contacts
database and is used to distribute city media releases. Agility PRis also used to monitor
coverage of the City of Cambridge and key topic areas of interest to DPW.
•
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• Social Media Monitoring – Sprout Social: Yes. This tool has allowed DPW to better
coordinate social media efforts in terms of content reaction, strategy evaluation, and
responsiveness to our followers. The advantage of this tool is that all our social platforms
can be accessed within one account, that is secured by various permission levels. It
allows for quick access and control of City social media accounts during an emergency
situation and provides a way for the city to coordinate the dissemination of information to
the public.
• Media Monitoring – Agility PR: Yes. This technology allows the City to respond to
media reports regarding the City of Cambridge and DPW in a timely and appropriate
manner. It allows the department to measure the impact of our media outreach efforts and
adjust strategy to improve coverage. The tool also provides us with access to journalist
and media outlet contacts from across the nation. It centralizes communication efforts
among communications staff in various City departments and allows for centralized
monitoring and coordination of citywide efforts.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
7. How much did it cost to acquire and operate Surveillance Technology?
• Annual subscription costs for both products are covered by the Operations and
Maintenance budget from the Public Information Office’s budget.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• No.
33. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Public Schools
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Information, Communications & Technology Services
Submitted by:
Kevin Keegan, & Dr. McCanne
Date:
02/26/25
Surveillance Technology:
• LightSpeed System (Web Filter)
• IP Address Collection Platforms (Sonicwall Firewall;
Windows Server; Apache Web Server; Crowd Strike;
Graylog)
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
● LightSpeed Systems (Web Filter) (Jul 23-Present)
o This technology is employed as a web filter only on all CPS Chromebooks. The
filter is a Chrome plugin that is managed and deployed at the Google Domain
level to all CPS-owned Chromebooks. Once this is set it requires no other
maintenance. The web filter will block sites that are considered potentially unsafe
or harmful to students.
o LightSpeed Systems blocks the following categories of content: Pornography,
Drugs, Gambling, Other Adult Content, Social Media, Anonymous Proxies, Chat
Messaging, Hate, Social Networking, Streaming Media, and Games. There is also
Keyword blocking as well. As well as an AI influence as well for images and
video.
o LightSpeed Systems also has enhanced logging which will protect our student
body’s Internet traffic while away from school but will not log their activity.
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o The school department uses various platforms that collect IP addresses from
internal and external connections and connection attempts, e.g., the CPS website,
CPS firewall, traffic and network traffic analyzers. While the platforms vary, the
surveillance capabilities and functionality are the same. IP address information is
used to limit and protect the City network from malicious sites and unauthorized
access.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third party?
● LightSpeed Systems for Chromebooks Web Filter
o No*. This data is not shared with third parties; in addition all vendor-provided
applications employed by the school department that may, or do, collect student-
level data are protected against inappropriate use of student data by the vendor
through Student Data Privacy Agreements (DPA). These agreements ensure that
any and all student-level data collected is only used for the purpose of providing
the service the vendor was engaged for, and nothing else**. All school
department DPAs are available on the CPS website.1 The DPAs employed by
CPS are both an MA State and National Model DPA developed by the Student
Data Privacy Consortium2 and leveraged throughout the K12 Educational
Technology Marketplace to protect student data from inappropriate uses.
▪ * Per the DPA, if law enforcement contacts the provider (LightSpeed
Systems) for data held by LightSpeed Systems, the provider “shall notify
the LEA (CPS) in advance of a compelled disclosure to the Requesting
Party, unless lawfully directed by the Requesting Party not to inform the
LEA of the request”.
▪ ** Per the DPA, de-identified data may also be used for “purposes
allowed under FERPA and the following purposes: (1) assisting the LEA
or other governmental agencies in conducting research and other studies;
and (2) research and development of the Provider's educational sites,
services, or applications, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the
Services; and (3) for adaptive learning purpose and for customized student
learning…… Provider agrees not to transfer de-identified Student Data to
any party unless (a) that party agrees in writing not to attempt re-
identification, and (b) prior written notice has been given to the LEA who
has provided prior written consent for such transfer.”
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o No. This data is not shared with any third parties
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
● LightSpeed Systems (Web Filter)
o No complaints have been received.
● GoGuardian
o No complaints have been received.
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o No complaints have been received.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
● No violations were found last year.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
● LightSpeed Systems Web Filter
o Yes, all student-issued Chromebooks are filtered as required by the Children’s
Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o Yes. The IP Collection technologies have been very effective in both protecting
the school department's network from intrusion as well as being proactive against
malicious activity.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
● LightSpeed Systems Web Filter
o No.
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
● LightSpeed System Web Filter
o $18,425.
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o Firewall - $37,023 annually.
o Windows Server – Zero costs last year or ongoing – one-time licensing.
o Apache Web Server - Open Source, no cost.
o Antivirus Software - $26.925 annually.
o Logging Software – No Costs.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
● LightSpeed Systems Web Filter
o All students utilizing CPS issued Chromebooks at home are receiving the same
level of content filtering. Students who have access to personal or family devices
to complete required student work at home are not bound by the same filter that is
intended to protect students from potentially harmful content.
● IP Address Collection Platforms
o No. The IP Address Collection Platforms automatically operate in a standardized
way. They impact all individuals attempting to access the school department’s
websites, resources or network in the same way.
34. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Public Schools
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Safety & Security, Transportation
Submitted by:
Damon Smith
Date:
2/26/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Bus Video Recorders
• GPS Devices
• Edulog Transportation System
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
Bus video recorders: Cameras are installed on all school buses. The cameras on the
school buses allow the school department to review any incidents that take place, after
the event is over. The cameras allow the department to determine the source of any
behavioral issues on the bus. The footage helps CPS staff and parents clarify what
actually happened during an incident and supplements any report from a student or bus
driver.
GPS devices: These devices are installed on vehicles transporting sudents. GPS units are
attached to the student transportation vehicles to monitor and report back the physical
location of the vehicles to the CPS Transportation Department. The GPS units monitor
the physical location of each vehicle in real time.
Edulog Transportation System: The Edulog Transportation system is a database used
by the CPS Transportation Department to manage the bus routes and student
assignments. All information about what buses students ride as well as the buses
locations are stored and managed within this system.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
Bus video recorders: Yes, but in limited circumstances. In some cases, parents can view
the video footage generated by the video recorders, but parents can only view footage of
their child.
GPS devices: Yes. GPS location data is shared with the contracted transportation
company to aid in the delivery of the bus transportation service. Parents can also view
data on the location of the bus to which their child is assigned through a secure parent
portal.
Edulog Transportation System: Yes. Data on bus routes and locations is shared with
the contracted transportation company to aid in the delivery of the bus transportation
service. Parents can also view data on the route of the bus to which their child is assigned
through a secure parent portal.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
Bus video recorders: None.
GPS devices: There have been instances in which the need to substitute specific buses
has resulted in the GPS technology being inoperable for specific routes. We continue to
work with the vendor to minimize these occurrences.
Edulog Transportation System: None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
No violations were found last year.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
Bus video recorders: Yes. The recorders captured any discipline issues that occurred on
the buses.
GPS devices: Yes. The bus locations are generally tracked in real time.
Edulog Transportation System: Yes. Edulog was leveraged to build all required bus
routes.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
No.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
Bus video recorders: There is a $60,000 provision in the current contract, which expires
in June 2025. Moving forward, this expense will be included in the contractual daily rate
for bus services.
GPS devices: No costs in the past year.
Edulog Transportation System: Ongoing Maintenance – $ 23,592.61.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
CPS is not aware of any communities disproportionately impacted by these technologies.
35. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
Division or Unit
(if applicable):
Parking Management, Street Management
Submitted by:
Jeff Parenti
Date:
2/24/25
Surveillance
Technology:
• ATLAS RMV Portal (Parking Management)
• Traffic Signal Detection Cameras (Street Management Division)
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units (Street Management
Division)
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units
1. What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• ATLAS RMV Portal: ATLAS is a web application provided by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts to access the RMV system and used by the Parking Management division.
It is used by Parking Services staff to issue resident parking permits, view handicap
placard information, and clear holds on licenses and vehicle registrations. No data is
collected or stored, and the public cannot access it.
• Traffic Signal Detection Cameras: These cameras are deployed at a limited number of
signalized intersections across the City. The detection cameras include 360-degree units
manufactured by MioVision and directional cameras manufactured by Iteris. They are
used for detection of roadway users, to classify their mode of transportation, and to
quantify their movements at signalized intersections in the City of Cambridge, and to
assist in the optimized operation of traffic signals. The aggregated data collected is
analyzed and used to improve the efficiency and safety of operations for all roadway
users. The technology also provides City staff with continuous roadway user counts to
allow for evaluation of seasonal and annual traffic volume variations to assist in future
design and planning projects.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: These units are deployed in the field
by transportation consultants, at various locations on a temporary basis. The units are
typically attached to a signal, utility, or streetlight pole within the right of way. This
technology collects traffic video and data that is later processed to provide a variety of
traffic related data such as turning movement counts, intersection counts and
classifications, and road volume counts.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: These units are deployed in the field
by transportation consultants, at various locations on a temporary basis. The units are
typically attached to a signal, utility, or streetlight pole within the right of way. This
technology collects traffic video and data that is later processed to provide a variety of
traffic related data such as turning movement counts, intersection counts and
classifications, and road volume counts.
2. Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• ATLAS: No data has been shared with a third-party.
• MioVision Intersection Cameras: These cameras are accessed by the Vendor,
MioVision, and by the City’s signal contractor, Dagle Electric Corporation, for purposes
of set up, training, and troubleshooting of the product. Access is only controlled by
designated city staff and only provided when required for troubleshooting.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: Video from these units is collected
and accessed by Transportation Consultants who deploy the units. A system was
implemented that requires Consultants or other entities to request permission to deploy
this type of data collection equipment on public property. Between 3/1/24 and 2/24/25 we
received 10 requests to deploy data collection devices at 55 locations. Several of the
requests submitted by consultants supported work being done by the City of Cambridge.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: Video from these units is collected
and accessed by Transportation Consultants who deploy the units. A system was
implemented that requires Consultants or other entities to request permission to deploy
this type of data collection equipment on public property. Between 3/1/24 and 2/24/25 we
received 1 request to deploy data collection devices at 9 locations.
3. What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• ATLAS: None.
• MioVision Intersection Cameras: None.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: None.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: None.
4. Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• No violations have been found.
5. Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified purpose?
• ATLAS: Yes. ATLAS is used daily by Parking Services staff to issue resident parking
permits, view handicap placard information and clear license and registration holds. In
2024, 36,892 Resident Parking Permits were issued. In FY24, the last year for which the
RMV provided this data, there were 14,421 chargeable clears for license and registrations
holds.
• Traffic Signal Detection Cameras: The MioVision units were installed in late 2019 and
are functioning as expected. The vehicle traffic counts collected by the MioVision units
provided insights in changes in traffic volumes and traffic patterns. We continue to
evaluate the efficacy of bicycle and pedestrian counts generated by the MioVision
cameras. The directional cameras operate as expected and detect vehicles to optimize
signal operations.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: Yes. These data collection units are a
significant improvement over past manual and tube data collection methods. In the past,
counts have been taken by hand, which is far more labor intensive and limits the amount
and timeframe of the data collected. Tubes used for data collection frequently
malfunctioned or were destroyed by road traffic or street cleaning vehicles. Overall, the
video-based data collection allows for better data collection, and as a result, far better
data analysis for transportation planning. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult
to obtain detailed counts using any other methodology as most vendors are using this
technology.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: Yes. These data collection units are a
significant improvement over past manual and tube data collection methods. In the past,
counts have been taken by hand, which is far more labor intensive and limits the amount
and timeframe of the data collected. Tubes used for data collection frequently
malfunctioned or were destroyed by road traffic or street cleaning vehicles. Overall, the
video-based data collection allows for better data collection, and as a result, far better
data analysis for transportation planning. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult
to obtain detailed counts using any other methodology as most vendors are using this
technology.
6. Did the department receive any public records requests concerning Surveillance
Technology?
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: Because Miovision units are similar
in appearance to cameras that record and save video recordings, the City regularly
receives requests for camera footage from locations where Miovision Cameras are
located. However, since the Miovision units do not record or save any video footage,
there are no recordings to provide. We explain this in response to any records requests or
public inquiries.
7. What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• ATLAS: There is a $20.00 per transaction RMV surcharge for license plate clears. In FY
2024, the last year for which the RMV provided this data, there were 14,421 chargeable
clears for license and registrations holds, which are assessed through a reduction in local
aid provided on the Cherry Sheet Assessments.
• Traffic Signal Detection Cameras: The City pays $26,000 annually for the ongoing
communication and data costs associated with the Miovision Cameras.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: These are typically installed by traffic
engineering consultants as part of the overall cost of a transportation planning or traffic
engineering study, such as a Traffic Impact Study required for a private development
project. The City pays for data collection as part of our consultant contracts for
construction and transportation projects. These costs would be incurred for manual data
collection if automated collection was not available.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: These are typically installed by traffic
engineering consultants as part of the overall cost of a transportation planning or traffic
engineering study, such as a Traffic Impact Study required for a private development
project. The City pays for data collection as part of our consultant contracts for
construction and transportation projects. These costs would be incurred for manual data
collection if automated collection was not available.
8. Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance Technology?
• ATLAS: The Portal allows TP+T staff to access detailed personal information about
Cambridge residents. The information accessed is not collected or stored and the public
cannot access it. The information is only accessed by Parking Services staff when issuing
resident parking permits, viewing handicap placard information, and clearing holds on
licenses and vehicle registrations, all of which are requested by the customer. The data
available on the Portal may have a greater impact on the privacy of those individuals who
own a vehicle than those individuals who do not own a vehicle, since staff only access
the vehicle registration data for residents who own cars. Access to the Portal is password
protected and the Parking Services Staff who use ATLAS receive individual, detailed
training which includes best practices for protecting personal information. As such, the
use of the Massachusetts RMV Website Portal does not have any disproportionate impact
on any population.
• Traffic Signal Detection Cameras: Although they are installed in specific communities
that have specific demographics, they observe all users that pass through an intersection,
whether or not those users come from those local communities. Typically, these units are
installed at major intersections which carry both local and regional traffic. The
technology does not retain any personally identifiable information, and does not impact
the drivers, cyclists and pedestrians that are counted by the cameras. As such, the use of
Detection Cameras does not have any disproportionate impact on any one population.
• MioVision Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: The units record all users that pass by
the unit, whether or not those users come from those local communities. These units are
also deployed for very short periods of time, further limiting impacts. While data
collection is used across the City, it is possible that data collection, and thus video
recording, will occur most frequently in areas with significant new development, thus
possibly impacting these areas more than parts of the City with less development.
However, these cameras primarily collect data that is not personally identifiable.
Overall, the use of MioVision Intersection Cameras does not have disproportionate
impacts on any population.
• NDS Aura Traffic Count Mobile Camera Units: The units record all users that pass by
the unit, whether or not those users come from those local communities. These units are
also deployed for very short periods of time, further limiting impacts. While data
collection is used across the City, it is possible that data collection, and thus video
recording, will occur most frequently in areas with significant new development, thus
possibly impacting these areas more than parts of the City with less development.
However, these cameras primarily collect data that is not personally identifiable.
Overall, the use of MioVision Intersection Cameras does not have disproportionate
impacts on any population.
36. ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT
Department:
Water
Division or Unit (if
applicable):
Submitted by:
Mark Gallagher & Fred Centanni
Date:
2/24/2025
Surveillance
Technology:
• Automated Meter Reading (AMR) System
• AMR Consumer Engagement Tool
1.
What Surveillance Technologies has the department used in the last year?
• Automated Meter Reading (AMR) System. The Water Department’s AMR
system is a radio-based system which transmits on a Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) licensed/reserved frequency. Meter Transmitter Units (MTUs)
are attached to every water meter throughout the city. The MTU transmits water
meter reads in a propriety format. These reads are transmitted every 4 hours on a
floating schedule. For example, an MTU will transmit a read today at 6:00AM, and
then transmit a read tomorrow at 6:03AM. The reads are received by the Data
Collection Units (DCUs) located within the city. The DCUs transmit the meter
readings, using a cell phone network, to a communications computer located at the
Water Department. The communications computer then transfers the data to a
database computer which translates the data in order for the city to view the water
meter reads. This allows the Water Department to provide actual reads for billing and
allows us to alert customers for potential leaks at their property. Below is an example
of our STAR AMR software and the data collected:
Page Break
• AMR Consumer Engagement Tool:
Using water meter data from the Department’s AMR system, water customers will be
able to view their own daily water usage on-line to promote conservation and detect
water leaks. The data will be stored on a remote server, hosted by our vendor. The
individual data will be accessible through the City’s web page and access will be
protected by individual account log-in security which will be approved by our IT
Department.
2.
Has any Surveillance Technology data been shared with a third-party?
• No.
3.
What complaints (if any) has your department received about Surveillance
Technology?
• None.
4.
Were any violations of the Surveillance Use Policy found in the last year?
• None.
5.
Has Surveillance Technology been effective in achieving its identified
purpose?
• Yes.
6.
Did the department receive any public records requests concerning
Surveillance Technology?
• No.
7.
What were the total annual costs of the Surveillance Technology?
• Automated Meter Reading (AMR) System:
o The department completed the upgrade of the AMR system to replace all
the MTUs because the batteries reached their life expectancy.
o The department plans to upgrade the STAR software at an estimated cost
of $56,000.
o The department has an annual maintenance agreement for approximately
$15,000.
• AMR Consumer Engagement Tool:
o Due to contractual related issues, the implementation has been delayed
and no costs were incurred. The department plans on completing the
implementation this year at an estimated cost of $50,000.
• Source of funds – Capital Water Funds for everything except the annual
maintenance agreement which come from Operating Water Funds.
8.
Are any communities disproportionately impacted by Surveillance
Technology?
• No. Every property that has a water service has a water meter regardless of any
other criteria. This allows CWD to provide actual reads for billing and to alert all
customers of any potential leaks in their property. Additionally, all customers will be
able to sign up for Consumer Engagement at no additional cost.