POR 2023-19
Asked the City Manager to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement
POR 2023 #19 by substitutionThe clerk's words, from the minutes of Feb 27, 2023, p. 16.
View the roll call on the amendment
Voted yes (4)
Dennis Carlone
Marc McGovern
E. Denise Simmons
Paul F. Toner
Voted no (5)
Burhan Azeem
Alanna Mallon
Patty Nolan
Quinton Zondervan
Sumbul Siddiqui
View the roll call
Voted yes (5)
- Burhan Azeem
- Alanna Mallon
- Patty Nolan
- Quinton Zondervan
- Sumbul Siddiqui
Voted no (1)
- Paul F. Toner
Voted present (3)
- Dennis Carlone
- Marc McGovern
- E. Denise Simmons
O-6
Calendar Item # 3
In the United States, traffic enforcement has come to be the domain of the police, and police departments play a large role in a majority of Vision Zero programs around the country; and
The presence of a firearm during a routine traffic stop can potentially escalate tensions and lead to injury or death; and
Traffic enforcement is a key element of meeting our Vision Zero goals and the implementation of automatic enforcement and unarmed units for traffic enforcement has been shown to reduce the possibility of violence during such encounters; and
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that traffic cameras are in place for enforcement in 23 states, however, Massachusetts currently does not permit automatic traffic enforcement for speeding or red light violations under state law; and
The City of Cambridge can work with our state legislators on a Home Rule petition to implement automated enforcement; and
The police would still have jurisdiction to apprehend known criminals, dangerous or erratic drivers, and other extraordinary situations that go beyond routine traffic enforcement; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion in a joint hearing of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Public Safety Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.
In City Council February 27, 2023. Adopted by the affirmative vote of nine members. Attest:- Diane P. LeBlanc, City Clerk
A true copy;
ATTEST:-
Diane P. LeBlanc,
City Clerk
History: 02/06/23
City Council
CHARTER RIGHT
Next: 02/13/23 02/13/23
City Council
PLACED ON THE TABLE
Next: 02/27/23