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A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the period of Fall 2025 through the First Quarter of 2026. REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE IN COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2026
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Minutes from the Meeting of October 14, 2025
Board Members Present: Chair Gina LaRoche, Maria Arlotto, Alexandra Fallon
City Staff present: Executive Director Carolina Almonte, Cambridge Budget Office Principal
Budget Analyst Daniel Liss
Cambridge Police Department (CPD) Staff Present: Director of Professional Standards &
Training James Mulcahy, Lieutenant Michael LaVeque, Sergeant Robert Ciriello, Sergeant David
Barkhouse
Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Public Comment
There were no comments from members of the public.
Discussion and Vote on New Chairperson
On a motion from Board Member Fallon, seconded by Board Member LaRoche, Board Member
LaRoche was unanimously elected to serve as the Chairperson through the end of her term in
June.
Review and Approval of Minutes
On a motion from Board Member LaRoche, seconded by Board Member Fallon, the minutes from
April 23, 2025, were approved unanimously.
Report from Department Staff
•
ED Almonte updated the Board on the new member outreach and recruitment plan that
has been developed by staff.
•
As part of the ongoing search for new board members, the Board discussed how to
evaluate the applications and the process that will be used for interviews.
•
Board members wishing to direct the activities of Staff Coordinator Welsh at the NACOLE
conference, were updated to email questions or thoughts.
Consideration of Complaints before the Board
Board Member Arlotto moved that the Board enter executive session pursuant to Section 21(a)(1)
of the Mass. Open Meeting Law to discuss complaint PR-2025-004 pending before the Board. The
motion was seconded by Board Member Fallon and approved by a unanimous roll call vote. The
Board entered executive session at 7:26 p.m.
Adjournment
At the end of the executive session, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adjourn the
meeting at 7:58 p.m., on a motion from Chair LaRoche, seconded by Board Member Arlotto.
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Documents Used During the Meeting
•
Police Review & Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2025
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Minutes from the Meeting of November 12, 2025
Board Members Present: Chair Gina LaRoche, Maria Arlotto, Alexandra Fallon
City Staff present: Executive Secretary Carolina Almonte
Cambridge Police Department (CPD) Staff Present: Director of Professional Standards &
Training James Mulcahy, Lieutenant Michael LaVeque, Sergeant Robert Ciriello, Sergeant David
Barkhouse
Chair LaRoche called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Public Comment
Cory Reyes joined as a member of the public.
Review and Approval of Minutes
On a motion from Board Member Fallon, seconded by Board Member Arlotto, the minutes from
October 14, 2025, were approved unanimously.
Report from PRAB Staff
Executive Secretary Almonte provided an update on applicants for the two Board vacancies. She
also noted recent updates to the City Charter and will provide additional information to the Board
before the next meeting.
Report from CPD Professional Standards, Training and Certification Unit Director Mulcahy
Director Mulcahy reported on new CPD recruits and the start of the police academy. Board
Member Fallon reiterated her interest in arranging a Board visit to the academy in 2026.
Report from Board Chair
Executive Secretary Almonte and Chair LaRoche reviewed the list of trainings that PRAB members
will receive on a recurring basis. These include:
• PSU Overview for New Members
• Open Meeting Law Training
• CJIS Training
• Two Part Use of Force Training
• Mental Health Calls and CPD Response Session
• Emergency Communications Training
• Ride-alongs with Officers
• Regular Body Worn Camera Program Updates
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Consideration of Complaints before the Board
Board Member Fallon moved that the Board enter executive session pursuant to Section 21(a)(1)
of the Mass. Open Meeting Law to discuss complaint PR-2025-004 pending before the Board. The
motion was seconded by Board Member Arlotto and approved by a unanimous roll call vote. The
Board entered executive session at 6:42 p.m.
Adjournment
At the end of the executive session, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adjourn the
meeting at 7:43 p.m., on a motion from Chair LaRoche, seconded by Board Member Arlotto.
Documents Used During the Meeting
•
Police Review & Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Minutes from the Meeting of December 10, 2025
Board Members Present: Chair Gina LaRoche, Maria Arlotto, Alexandra Fallon
City Staff present: Executive Secretary Carolina Almonte
Cambridge Police Department (CPD) Staff Present: Director of Professional Standards &
Training James Mulcahy, Sergeant Robert Ciriello, Sergeant David Barkhouse
Chair LaRoche called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
Public Comment
Ryan Welsh, Linda Burns, Laurel Shugart, and Catiana JP joined as a members of the public.
Review and Approval of Minutes
On a motion from Board Member Arlotto, seconded by Board Member Fallon, the minutes from
November 12, 2025, were approved unanimously.
Presentation and Conversation with Jackson Price, Director of Community Engagement
Mr. Price provided an overview of how Cambridge approaches equitable and inclusive community
engagement. He explained that more than fifty engagement efforts occur citywide each year and
his office supports staff through toolkits, best practices, and a Civic Outreach Squad focused on
equitable outreach.
Mr. Price outlined core principles for effective engagement, including clearly identifying the
intended audience, aligning plans with available timelines and budgets, clarifying whether the
goal is outreach or genuine engagement, selecting appropriate communication methods, and
establishing metrics to evaluate success.
He emphasized the importance of closing the loop with community members, so they
understand how their input shaped decisions. Mr. Price also recommended that PRAB partner
with CPD’s Director of Community Outreach to align efforts and expand reach. He closed by
offering to answer questions from the Board.
Report from CPD Professional Standards, Training and Certification Unit Director Mulcahy
Director Mulcahy shared that the PSU team attended the CALEO Conference in Florida, where
they were recognized with an award for their work. He noted that the Police Academy is
scheduled to begin in the new year.
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Report from Board Chair
Chair LaRoche shared that she will consider goals for 2026 and present in January.
Report from Executive Director
ED Almonte shared updates regarding the recent restructuring within the Equity and Inclusion
Department, including staff layoffs. She noted that a Program Manager position is expected to be
hired in the coming months to support the work of the Board.
Consideration of Complaints before the Board
Board Member Fallon moved that the Board enter executive session pursuant to Section 21(a)(1)
of the Mass. Open Meeting Law to discuss complaint PR-2025-001 and PR-2025-002 pending
before the Board. The motion was seconded by Board Member Arlotto and approved by a
unanimous roll call vote. The Board entered executive session at 6:42 p.m.
Adjournment
At the end of the executive session, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adjourn the
meeting at 7:43 p.m., on a motion from Chair LaRoche, seconded by Board Member Arlotto.
Documents Used During the Meeting
•
Police Review & Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Minutes from the Meeting of January 28, 2026
Board Members Present: Chair Gina LaRoche, Maria Arlotto, Alexandra Fallon, Caleb Demers,
Belicia Wilkinson
City Staff present: Executive Secretary Carolina Almonte
Cambridge Police Department (CPD) Staff Present: Director of Professional Standards &
Training James Mulcahy, Sergeant Robert Ciriello, Sergeant David Barkhouse, Sergeant Mike
LeVecque, Commissioner Elow, Deputy Superintendent Peter Vellucci and Mike Horgan, the
Bodyworn Camera Unit Manager.
Chair LaRoche called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Introductions of New Board Members - Caleb Zachary Demers and Belicia Wilkinson
Public Comment
No members of the public present.
Review and Approval of Minutes
On a motion from Board Member Fallon, seconded by Chair LaRoche, the minutes from
December 10, 2025, were approved unanimously.
Report from Executive Director
ED Almonte provided a brief overview of the Police Review & Advisory Board’s mission, history,
and authority under Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. She reviewed the Board’s
role in promoting transparency and accountability, outlined member responsibilities, meeting
procedures, quorum requirements, executive sessions, roll call votes, and Open Meeting Law
obligations.
Report from CPD Professional Standards, Training and Certification Unit Director Mulcahy
Sergeant LeVecque presented an overview of the Cambridge Police Department structure and the
Professional Standards Unit. He reviewed PSU responsibilities, including internal investigations,
disciplinary procedures, POST certification requirements, the Early Intervention System, and body
worn camera policy requirements.
Report from Board Chair
689 Massachusetts Ave,
(617) 349 - 6155
Cambridge, MA 02139
www.cambridgema.gov/PRAB
Chair LaRoche shared that the May meeting will need to be rescheduled due to a religious
observance. She also expressed interest in scheduling a future presentation on CPD’s mental
health response efforts and inviting the CPD Community Engagement Director to attend an
upcoming meeting.
Bodyworn Camera Training - Deputy Superintendent Vellucci and Mike Horgan
Deputy Superintendent Vellucci and Mr. Horgan summarized CPD’s Body Worn Camera policy,
explaining when officers are required to activate cameras, including dispatched calls for service,
traffic stops, investigative stops, arrests, use of force incidents, pursuits, and other civilian
interactions for law enforcement purposes. They noted that activation is required even in
locations where there may be a reasonable expectation of privacy and emphasized that the policy
is intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Adjournment
The Board voted unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m., on a motion from Board
Member Arlotto, seconded by Board Member Fallon.
Documents Used During the Meeting
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Police Review & Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025