Somerville PD Adopts All '8 Can’t Wait' Police Reform Policies

SOMERVILLE, MA—City officials announced that the Somerville Police Department has adopted all of the "8 Can’t Wait" police reform policies espoused by Campaign Zero, a database that tracks major cities’ use of eight policies that are proven to curtail police violence.

"Research shows more restrictive use of force policies can reduce killings by police and save lives. Tell your city to adopt all eight of these policies," the Campaign Zero website reads.

Campaign Zero's "8 Can't Wait" policies include the implementation of the following:

• A ban on chokeholds and strangleholds
• Require de-escalation
• Require warning before shooting
• Requires exhaust all alternatives before shooting
• Duty to intervene
• A ban shooting at moving vehicles
• Require use of force continuum
• Require comprehensive reporting

According to the officials, six of the policies were already formally in place in writing. Two were existing, taught standard procedures - which included a ban on choke and strangleholds and duty to intervene - that will now be added to written policy and procedures.

The department said its officers will continue to be educated on all of these policies.

In addition, the city's mayor said he has committed to and signed President Obama’s Pledge for Mayors to address police use of force policies. This is in addition to the slate of policies announced June 3 (https://www.somervillema.gov/policereform), including a commitment to establish civilian oversight, that are part of our continued effort to deliver just, compassionate and unbiased policing to the community.

"Please know that these steps by no means mark the beginning or end of our work on this issue," Somerville officials said. "We will continue to look for and implement the best policies and solutions to address both excessive use of force as well as systemic racism not just in terms of policing, but in all city services and functions so that we can equitably serve our entire community."