City of Cambridge Police Review and Advisory Board Launches New Online Complaint Form; New Board Members Sought

The City of Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board (PRAB), a fair and impartial body made up of volunteer members that provides oversight of the Cambridge Police Department (CPD), today announced the addition of new staff, a new online complaint form, and an opportunity for residents to apply and join the Board.

Created by City ordinance in 1984, PRAB is a City department with a Board of five residents. Completely independent of CPD, the Board is authorized to receive, investigate, and mediate complaints against members of CPD, and review complaint investigations completed by CPD'S Professional Standards Unit.

New Online Complaint Form and Translated Forms Now Available
Led by Carolina Almonte, Executive Director, and Ryan Welsh, Administrative and Project Coordinator, PRAB recently launched an Online Complaint Form , which is to be used to file reports involving the police and:

• Excessive use of force
• Use of discourteous or demeaning language
• Improper stop, arrest, search and seizure
• Inadequate investigation or improper police reports
• Discrimination on the basis of race; color; sex; age; religious creed; disability; national origin or ancestry; sexual orientation; gender identity or gender expression; marital status; family status; military status; source of income; family structure; and relationship status
• Harassment
• Improper police procedures
• Improper traffic citation or towing of a car by the police

Complaint Forms can also be filed in person at 689 Massachusetts Avenue (2^nd Floor), by mail, or by telephone. Complaints should be filed within 60 days of an incident. Forms are available in English and 12 different languages.

An investigation includes interviews with both the complainant and involved police officer(s), as well as any other relevant individuals, and reviewing police reports, witness statements, and other important information. The staff submits its investigative report to the Board, which reviews the report, and may accept the report or order additional investigation into the complaint. After the investigation process is completed, the Board will discuss and make a determination whether or not there was a violation of policy or procedures, or whether it is inconclusive.

New Board Members Sought for Police Review & Advisory Board
Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents to fill two vacancies for the Police Review & Advisory Board (PRAB). Board Members serve five-year terms and must have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service and be a resident of the City of Cambridge. Board members may not hold any other position, nor may their immediate family (husband, wife, brother, sister, son, or daughter), for the City while they are on the Board.

The Board currently meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, November 7, 2025. Applications can be submitted using the City of Cambridge's online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply.

A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager's Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All Board and Commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What is the purpose of the Police Review & Advisory Board?

The main responsibilities of the Board are to:

• Provide for citizen participation in reviewing CPD policies, practices and procedures; and
• Provide a prompt, impartial, and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Police Department.

What is the work of the Board?

• Reviewing and evaluating completed investigations to make findings on the allegations contained in each complaint;
• Identifying needs for changes to CPD policies, procedures or training and reporting findings and recommended solutions to the Police Commissioner and the City Manager;
• Assisting in public education and outreach activities to promote awareness and understanding of the Board and strengthen community-police relations;
• Receiving training on a regular basis outside of regular monthly meetings on: civilian oversight of law enforcement, understanding investigations, and the history and culture of policing in Cambridge; CPD-provided training on police policies, procedures, practices, and training; effective outreach and community engagement; and understanding public meetings, public records, and ethical standards and requirements.

What Qualities are Sought for Prospective Board Members?

• Possess a reputation for fairness, integrity, and responsibility;
• Ability to be fair and impartial in their decision making;
• Understand implicit and explicit bias and work to mitigate bias in their efforts.

For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/prab or contact Carolina Almonte, Executive Secretary (617-349-4398, [email protected] ) or Ryan Welsh, Administrative and Project Coordinator (617-349-1737, [email protected] ).