Village Of Cambridge NY
Cambridge, New York Police Department
Reform and Reinvention Collaborative
Sergeant Robert Danko
January 2021
I Live In:
78% The Village of Cambridge, NY
22% I Don't Live In The Village of Cambridge, NY
What is your overall opinion about the Cambridge Police Department?
51% Very Positive
20% Somewhat Positive
15% Neutral
14% Somewhat Negative
0% Very Negative
20% Somewhat Positive
15% Neutral
14% Somewhat Negative
0% Very Negative
How do you rate the job our Police Department is doing?
38% Excellent
30% Good
23% Neutral
9% Poor
0% Very Poor
How do you rate the level of police presence in our Village?
62% We need more police presence in the Village
30% We have Just the right amount of police presence here
8% We need less police presence in the Village
Do you think that it’s important for our Village to continue to have a local Police Department?
82% Yes
18% No
Why?
Police are an impartial group who can step in when conflicts escalate. Police are trained to handle people who could be dangerous.
Deterrence. Emergency assistance.
Safety, sense of security
We need protection.
Wherever you go there's going to be good and bad people. And me personally would prefer to have the people who deter the bad people present in case
I think it's important that the police officers are familiar to and with the residents. It builds more trust and allows them to be more proactive.
Because it's crazy idea otherwise
They are great
The overall crime rate in Cambridge, including both property and violent crime, is significantly less than the national average. Cambridge is roughly 50% safer than other cities and towns in the United States. Very little crime is committed in Cambridge, so there isn't a huge need for police, but this does not mean we should "abolish the police". When I think of crime committed in Cambridge, I think of drug/alcohol related offenses or domestic violence calls. Drug related offenses, when non violent, do not require the police. These cases would be best solved by resources such as the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad. Domestic violence calls may be better solved by social workers instead of the police, although in some cases police may be necessary. Police presence does not affect crime rates. Increasing police presence will not result in less crime and decreasing will not result in more. It doesn't matter much to me if police presence is decreased or remains the same in Cambridge, but it is not necessary to increase police presence/patrolling.
They do a great job keeping our village safe
Cambridge has always had a drug problem, police presence is vital to keep it in check.
Safety, protection
It's important to have a local police presence and not rely on the county. Having near immediate response to any potential problem is important, especially for the school.
security
I think a visible police presence makes a community safer
To deter crime and to protect citizens of Cambridge
I think we would be better served by the County Sheriff's Department - have better training and higher standards. It seems that the village police are mainly skilled at writing traffic citations - not so good at other things. Seem inexperienced.
Local officers are more likely to know individuals and tailor their approach
I think that smaller and shared services - linked with complementary forms of public support such as mediators. I do feel that there is an important role for police coverage in the town ( see next answer) but, I feel that this should be smaller and different
They do a great job keeping our village safe
Yes, but only if there are not other police forces covering the same vacinity (e.g. State Troppers, Sheriff)
I would feel safer in a dynamic where a fewer number of more highly qualified, rigorously trained law enforcement personnel applied policy limited to direct and imminent threats to public safety. I believe the average local police officer is ill equipped and under prepared to remediate crises of mental health, substance use disorders, or issues of extreme poverty, and that these should be under the jurisdiction of public health rather than the penal system. The resources and logistical focus could be better allocated to preventative measures, i.e. outreach programs, mentorship, family support, and initiatives to increase access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare, nutrition, gainful employment & educational opportunities, etc. With regards to Cambridge specifically, it would have inspired greater confidence to see a resounding statement in favor of civil rights after the murder of George Floyd, steadfast against police brutality, and assure the public of their commitment to transparency and accountability. It was a missed opportunity to bring folks together. Instead the stance of the Cambridge PD has been passive at best, and biased at worst. When a local woman of color was being harassed and stalked by a known violent white supremacist, police responded by questioning the motives of the victim. When peaceful protestors stood on the sidewalk to honor the dead, this same man verbally accosted them several times in full view of the police (most of whom wore Blue Lives Matter apparel), and they opted not to intervene until he came back the 7th or 8th time and attacked a demonstrator physically, injuring his shoulder. This man was seen earlier reaching into a patrol car to exchange greetings with an officer, without a mask on. In an instance of what many interpreted as racial profiling, a man of Middle Eastern descent was passing through downtown Cambridge and an officer executed a U turn, tailed him, pulled him over, and issued a ticket that was later interpreted as completely erroneous.. the officer didn't show up to the hearing and the ticket was thrown out. I personally have been tailgated by a patrol car for 7 miles out of the village just to be pulled over on a back road, given the third degree and told my license plate light was out.. but it wasn't. When I was in high school, I was very upset one day about a school policy and asked to speak to the principal, police were called and an officer arrived in the meeting room with his hand on his gun.. which he kept there the whole time as if I was so dangerous, when I was just a 16 year old kid having a really bad day. So strictly speaking from things I've witnessed or experienced, firstly I believe certain officers tend to apply intimidation tactics and dominate a given situation by default before getting a full run of the facts, which is not always the most effective de-escalation tactic, and certainly isn't the best way to build trust in the community. Surely it is better to lead with empathy and give people the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, it seems as if legitimate safety concerns are sometimes overlooked depending on the setting and the parties involved. Meanwhile resources are often wasted on fruitless pursuits of misdemeanor perpetrators. Though I personally have no negative feeling toward the local police as individuals, I believe there is legitimate cause for State and Local authorities to affirm that the methodology matches the ethos, evaluating the extent to which a potentially overbearing police presence in our lives is warranted, and whether tax dollars can better serve the health & safety of a community through other means.
I think there can be more imaginative and
It's a small town with little crime and the cost is too high. It's really an outrageous amount of resources spent on the police
I think Police play an important role, but I think that there are changes that need to be made. There needs to be more emphasis placed on how to manage those with mental health issues as well as attending to calls that might be better served by social services.
I'm actually not sure if it's important, but that wasn't an option. I don't know if a town our size truly warrants its own police department (or in combo with Greenwich).
I am not convinced the benefit, if there is one, justifies the expense
The department and budget seem large for the size of our community. Would prefer to reallocate some funds to improve other community services.
Without the local PD, waiting for police resources will be delayed when you need them the most.
It's important to have a local police presence and not rely on the county. Having near immediate response to any potential problem is important, especially for the school.
I think that Washington county and trooper patrols are not enough. A local department is necessary so that they are familiar with the area and can keep us safe. Especially because we are known for heroin in town and part of drug routes from Vermont.
Too many rural communities suffer from having to rely on a county or state jurisdiction for their policing. Having a Village police force provides a closeness with the community that a county or state police force cannot provide.
Presence of and relationships with PD help decrease crime.
Feel safer
Local presence fosters community relationships
It sets a standard that is a reflection of the older days and they bring a feeling of unity !!
safety
I feel knowing there is a police presence keeps the crime rate lower. It's scary to think of the"what if's", if we were left without the presence of the police.
The police add value to the community. Overall they do a good job under difficult circumstances.
It's not necessary. It's a waste of community resources. They only time I've needed police they failed me completely and I believe social workers could have accomplished the job much better.
To enforce the law
A local police department and officer presence solely dedicated to making sure our residents are safe and our school is patrolled and our kids are free to walk around town unafraid is vital to maintaining the character of Cambridge.
Because this whole "defend the police" initiative is bullshit
Response times in case of emergency. Familiar faces in community to partner with for safety. Deterrent to law breakers.
Police should be a part of the community in order to build positive relationships with community members that will make it easier to de-escalate situations that require police and also help to alleviate possibilities of predicting behavior based on bias or race.
Local police know the area, the neighborhoods, and the people.
Obvious reasons. Don't need so many though, waste of taxpayer dollars.
take the drugs off the streets and DWI
To keep everyone safe, the way they have been. There's a completely different experience with State Police than our local Officers. It's important to have a local presence that community members can build trust with.
For the safety of cambridge residents
People cannot be counted on to do the right thing.
Like other small villages, Cambridge could be adequately served by with the State Troopers and Sheriff's Department.
Crime is not rampant in our Village. As such, we could depend on the State police and the Sheriff's Dept should any major crime pop up. Also, the department takes up a significant portion of the Village's budget. That funding should either go into the pockets of taxpayers or be spent on other programs.
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Does this statement reflect your feelings? “I feel safer knowing that our Village Police Department is on duty.”
63% Yes
20% Neutral
17% No
17% No
What are the two most important reasons that we need a local Police Department ?
32% Traffic Control
47% Crime Prevention
29% Community Policing
30% Keeping An Eye On Activities In The Village
45% Community Protection
18% Community Event Duty
47% Crime Prevention
29% Community Policing
30% Keeping An Eye On Activities In The Village
45% Community Protection
18% Community Event Duty
How often have you interacted with a Police Officer in the Village?
6% Often
8% Regularly
76% Once In A While
9% Never
What is the most positive interaction you’ve had with a local Police Officer?
Present during a recent gathering
When I was younger, I witnessed several officers 'look the other way' when witnessing victimless crimes - essentially looking out for residents instead of giving them a criminal record.
Talking to them at balloon fest
Sargent Danko kneeled at the BLM protest. That took courage.
Bob danko serving as liaison between the skateboard - village board advisory group. He was perfect!
When I was younger, I witnessed several officers 'look the other way' when witnessing victimless crimes - essentially looking out for residents instead of giving them a criminal record.
No applicable as I don't recall ever having an interaction with a local police officer.
When my sister showed up sick and physically hurt they were there to help us make sure she was ok until the ambulance arrived.
Any of the experiences I've had have all been positive.
Not getting a ticket for slightly speeding since I was a few hundred feet from my house. Some of the old timers were good guys off duty.
They have come to our house for wellness checks for my wife's daughter. They have been courteous and professional.
A smile while helping with local events; meeting with girl scouts. I haven't had any other interactions.
Played basketball with my son. And investigated his lost bike.
They helped me during a domestic incident with my ex wife and did not assume that just because I am a male that I was the one at fault
Helped my sister in a domestic dispute. They were fair, helpful & professional
They let me off with a warning for a broken tail light.
I was parked in the wrong spot one night and a police officer came over to make sure everything was okay and he was very nice and respectful
Having an officer stop by house after property theft.
None
All interactions have been positive.
He brought peace to a stressful situation with a repeat offender of the law
Picked up for transport to glensfall hospital
Assistance with a threatening ex.
As a kid growing up in Cambridge small interactions with the police taught me that they were here to help. This form of community policing was the reason why I went into law enforcement myself.
I see them at the diner where I work. They've always been kind. I like that we have an officer (usually Danko) parked outside of the school to ensure safety for children
I was coming around the bend a little fast heading out of town on my way to the vet with my two cats, I explained that they hate car rides and I may have been in a hurry for that reason. I was given a warning and the officer had a good sense of humor about it. "Get those cats home safe now ya hear..?"
following a local accident
Chief Bell was always helping at football events and had a presence with kids in this community.
When I managed the Stewart's in town, I always had a great relationship with Chief Bell and all of his officers.
Just waving as they drive by while I'm out walking
Being let off for speeding in the village with just a verbal warning
They were very helpful in getting back a kayak that was stolen from our yard.
I've had the pleasure of working with many officers and the former Chief during my tenure as a Village trustee. Overall I think it's a great group that could use a bit more bias training.
I've noticed people speeding down the road i live on. I ran into an officer at Cumberland farms and brought it to their attention. 45 minutes later there was a police officer patrolling my street.
All of my direct interactions have been positive - from seeing kind treatment of a mentally ill person in the community to a responsive reception regarding a spousal threat
Phone conversation re event safety considerations
They always smile at the kids. In today's political climate it's become very "different" to teach young children that police officers are a safe person when they need help. The character of our Cambridge police officers makes that just a little easier on a Mama
My interactions with the police are always positive. I'm grateful for Sgt. Danko's leadership. It's a hard job and I want our local police to have the support to do it well.
I can't think of a positive experience with a police officer in town, while on duty, but I do know the Cambridge police are really nice people!
I witnessed a domestic dispute of an unknown couple on the sidewalk. The officer who responded was kind, patient and handle the situation well with the unknown woman. She presented intoxicated and histrionic; he remained compassionate. However, he was not knowledgeable of resources in the community for DV.
After Chief Bell's death, I lost touch with our local police. I have had no contact.
An officer came when I had actually called for animal control, and checked for an unknown animal in the upstairs of my house. There wasn't one, but the officer was very nice about it and did a thorough check. (It was a noise created by the wind through the open window)
Reporting an abandoned car to George Bell and Poke Spezio. They responded with knowledge, humor and kindness. Reporting stolen property to Bruce Brundige. Responded with knowledge, advice and sympathy.
getting a prompt response the night I was threatened on the street.
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What is the most negative interaction you've had with a local Police Officer?
Again, when I was younger, harassment and overreach. Per usual in our small community, not everyone had the privilege of the positive interaction I note above; it's all about who you know.
None
No applicable as I don't recall ever having an interaction with a local police officer.
Leaving a bar one night being the dd and having a cop basically stalk me all the way across town as i drove my friends home to pull me over for a bs reason then breathalyze me trying to get me on a dwi. I was let go with no ticket but understood the only reason he pulled me over was because id left the bar. I didnt speed or swerve or run any stop signs.
I haven't had a negative interaction.
Getting harassed by officers as a youth.
Inconvenience of a traffic stop, no one wants to be pulled over.
They forcefully and wrongfully tried to accuse me of a crime I didnt commit
Being illegally interrogated in a closet of the Cambridge high school by chief bell (as a minor without facing charges or without my parents knowledge or consent)
Refusing to stop crime on my property after deeming it a civil case and watching it unfold.
Being pulled over for going 2mph over the speed limit
No negative encounters to speak of, even when pulled over for running a stop sign or speeding the officers have always been polite and respectful.
NEVER HAD ONE !!
Refusing to stop crime on my property after deeming it a civil case and watching it unfold.
Never had a negative interaction, I've personally never heard anything bad and the stories I've heard about encounters seem professional.
Witnessed Officer shove a passenger back into a vehicle and slammed the guys hand in the car door. Broken fingers.
a local police officer who did not know that the state had temporarily suspended inspections/renewals due to covid and issued a ticket
I know there was an incident of racial profiling in a traffic stop. This is problematic and the department needs to address this. Racial profiling is problematic,and though the charges were eventually dropped-this is not ok.
Easy, and it was VERY negative. Seeing an officer buzz around and do a U-turn in the middle of Main Street right after my Iraqi friend pulled out of my driveway, getting a call from my friend shortly thereafter saying he had been followed and then pulled over as he was heading out of the village, his being charged with a bogus violation, and his being left on the side of the road while the officer drove away with his required driving paperwork (registration, insurance).
Being pulled over and lectured because I forgot to use my turn signal.
At the Black Lives Matter protest, we observed Police officers chatting it up with <name redacted> who is well known in the village as being an aggressor to BIPOC folks. There was no recognition of his behavior and officers were observed fist-bumping him. He stalked people in this village that were there. Additionally, <name redacted> showed up, not wearing a mask and was shouting in peoples faces with no involvement with the police, what so ever. Also, there are police officers who are racist. Who post racist things on their social media and have been observed acting in ways that perpetuate harm to BIPOC folks in this community. There is large presence of ignorance in this community police model with regards to racism, class and mental health issues.
My cousin is bipolar - he was having a manic episode was flipping out - the police were called, there was no deescaltion practiced, and I assume the officers called had very little mental health training because they did not treat him as needing help, but as someone intentionally being violent. My cousin was charged with assault when he was not in control of himself due to his mental illness. He was eventually brought to the psych ward but before that was kept in jail, had another thing added to his record, and spent months between jail and court when what he needed was mental health help. Our officers (here and across the country) are not equipped to deal with mental health emergencies or mentally ill people and yet are still required to do so.
I did not like how our local officers handled a Black Lives Matter protest I was involved in this past summer here in Cambridge. There was a very aggressive man, not wearing a mask, walking right up to protesters and shouting. Police stayed far away until a young woman tore a sign the man was waving too closely to her. I would have liked the police to ask him to stay 6 feet away if he wasn't going to wear a mask.
Several years ago I witnessed what I felt was an unnecessary use of force by a police officer with a youth in the Village.
2 come to mind. Disciplinary action during my time as a trustee that was never officially filed. Recently, the blatant profiling of a personal friend from out of time that was pulled over after a long follow to the edge of town and then handed a bogus ticket which was ultimately dropped by the DA.
A traffice ticket (but it was my bad)
While my interactions with local police have been good, I'm concerned that I've heard consistently about people of color and white family/friends of people of color who have different experiences (including, for example, letting the local police know when a Black relative is staying with someone, so they don't get followed/stopped). I've witnessed Black motorists being stopped and searched in a way that I have never experienced in my life. I doubt this is intentional, but it still seems real.
This summer there was a disruptive and threatening person at a community event at Hubbard Hall to honor Black lives. My second-hand understanding is that the police did not attend to this issue "because no physical violence had happened yet". This was of great concern and it gave the feeling that the police department could selectively abandon parts of the community. Several years ago but I have witnessed police cars speeding through town ( without sirens) - this has been concerning both for safety and for concerns of corruption (above the law).
None, but found dispatch somewhat rude when I called about concern about young friend being followed by suspicious vehicle
Several years ago I witnessed what I felt was an unnecessary use of force by a police officer with a youth in the Village.
1) Officers' overreaction to a minor incident - acting more power drunk than helpful. 2) Complete ignorance on how to handle a minor traffic accident and the necessary exchange of information between the parties involved.
Reporting threats of violence at a rally on the corner. Responded with disinterest, and unhelpful. Another officer chatting (no mask) with and fist bumping with the man who was at that very time threatening people, sends the wrong message. Also wearing a "Blue Lives Matter" mask at the rally which is very provocative.
I've had a few times where I've called or talked to Cambridge police where it has not been pleasant. The police ignored a woman, who was clearly drinking and driving, the police questioned me when I was not doing anything wrong (that's ok!), but it felt super unfriendly, and one time when I called the police it seemed as if they didn't know how to handle domestic violence/verbal abuse (I do understand it may be tough to deal with, though & I'm aware that my idea of solving the problem may differ from others).
I was encouraged to file a report by a family friend/police officer regarding a situation. No one was at the office and the officer who responded presented guarded and abrupt. When I explained that I was encouraged by (officer), his demeanor changed and he was more open. I was disheartened by this exchange. If I was there for something that was traumatic or difficult to talk about I wouldn't have followed through. His attitude projected hostility as if I did something wrong or put him out vs. how can I help you. It was discouraging.
■=Village Resident Response ■=Non-Resident Response
If you have a problem, how likely are you to call the Village Police Department for help?
52% Definitely
35% Possibly
8% Not Likely
5% Never
35% Possibly
8% Not Likely
5% Never
Why did you answer this way?
There are situations I'm not trained to handle myself.
In certain matters I do not trust the police. I believe there is underlying racism and misogyny within the Dept.
Because they come when you call with a concern
If the situation cant be handled, the police are needed.
My aforementioned response as well as witnessing hostile posts on social media and posts that are racially biased. Village board members as well as officers using language and posting memes that project division and hostility vs. equality and acceptance. I was also encouraged to follow the local back the blue facebook group and the attitude of local law enforcement and people in our community is disheartening. It was frightening to read what people in our community posted when they thought they were in a community of only police officers and family members who "back the blue." I think that the office (both village board members as well as police officers) are in need of social justice training, increased awareness around mental health services and should complete implicit bias work as a minimum.
I would rather try to solve an issue on my own. I've become more aware of other resources, so I don't feel like I need to call the police any time I may run into trouble. I don't want to become dependent on the police to help/solve my problems. There are some instances where police officers are not able to effectively help, because they may not know how to. Other times, police are necessary and I would call for help.
I would be reluctant to call the local police if I was with people of color, out of concern for their safety.
Any time the village police get involved things go south - they create more problems than they solve.
We pay taxes so that we can call the police in an emergency.
I believe I would be helped.
Depends on the nature of the problem, but in general I trust Village police more than sheriff's department
I would like to trust the Cambridge police. In order for this to happen I would like to see a more transparent Community Policing in which the police actively show concern for all parts of our community. I am also considered about the militarization ( with gear) and the multiple vehicles for a small area - this gives the sense of flexing power and less of engaged concern and guardianship of all.
I've never had an issue with the officers in the police force. My family is well aware of their presence and who they are.
I think it's important for continued introspection of all departments, services, and self in order to adapt to changing times.
Eva use when you need help you call the good guys....
They are good at doing their jobs
They are readily available and of great assistance when needed
I would first try and handle the problem myself but if it wasn't possible, I would ask the police for help.
As a young woman, I don't trust I'd be treated with respect or taken seriously. The officers I have encountered through traffic stops, and from the experiences I have heard from other female friends, tell me that there is a very unbalanced power dynamic at play where we do not feel safe or protected.
Because that's their role in the community - to help - and I trust that that's what they will do.
I avoid the police because I don't think that they have my best interests at heart.
Why not? There is a mutual respect between this police department and it's citizens. We have each other's backs.
I am aware that folks have called for the police and the police are unable to do things that are helpful.
Would most likely call 911 as a first step.
I would call the most appropriate person/agency to handle the problem.
I would call 911 - or the sheriff or State Police
If the incident occurs within there response area
I trust that they'll do their job when needed.
Sometimes the presence of police can make a bad situation worse by increasing the pressure. It is a rare, dire circumstance where a government agent with a license to kill is necessary. We should only call upon that resource when all other methods of peaceable resolution are completely exhausted.
They know the town, the know the people.
I am not a resident of Cambridge any longer but my Mom and her husband are. I feel if there is a problem and they are in need of police assistance I would call the Cambridge police on their behalf with out any hesitation.
I trust their ability to suggest resources and find resolve.
Police department are doing a great job feel like I'm safe
I feel I can trust and count on local police
Quick response with a total understanding of the history of our locals
Who else would I call?
I would rather have sheriffs or troopers respond to my call. The CPD is full of young inexperienced officers with hot heads.
If it's a serious crime that's easily provable like murder I would, but I've learned the hard way that crimes like rape and robbery go nowhere once reported and the processes is degrading and consuming.
It depends on the circumstances.
I dont trust their ability to police effectively
It depends on where I am. I'm outside the village at home but with school aged children we spend a fair amount of time in the village.
Because it is their job
The resource can be counted on to respond to and support those involved.
They are the closest .
Who else would I call?
Depends on the nature of the problem. If it was one for which police was necessary or helpful then I'd certainly call the police. (Examples might be a car accident I witnessed or becoming aware of domestic violence.)
I have observed the officers behaving is responsible ways.
The Village Police would most likely be the first to arrive if help is immediately needed. Otherwise, the State Police and Sheriff's Department could handle problems.
Rapid response
■=Village Resident Response ■=Non-Resident Response
In what areas do you think our local Police Officers need more training in order to be more effective?
6% Public Safety
41% De-escalation Techniques
26% Community Policing
44% Mental Health
38% Substance Abuse
27% Demonstrations and Protests
29% Citizen's Rights
23% Interacting with Residents
23% Race Relationships
42% Bias, including unconscious bias
21% None
Other Training:
6% Public Safety
41% De-escalation Techniques
26% Community Policing
44% Mental Health
38% Substance Abuse
27% Demonstrations and Protests
29% Citizen's Rights
23% Interacting with Residents
23% Race Relationships
42% Bias, including unconscious bias
21% None
Other Training:
I dont know what training they get now, hard to comment.
Knowledge of the laws and dealing with people.
also self care..dealing with police officer PTSD..
how to engage on social media as a police officer (or their families) in a small rural community
I think all police should receive 2 years of training--1 year of social work, one year of policing.
As I don't know what kind of training our local police departments now receiving my answers above are best guesses on training that would likely be helpful in our community.
■=Village Resident Response ■=Non-Resident Response
Comments:
Sargent Danko has a good relationship with the CCS school administration. The school is the largest employer in town and each day there are over 800 students spread out inside a large building. It's important that law enforcement knows the building, has a relationship with key people, and has a presence in the building from time to time . However, I feel that this role could be filled by the Sheriff's Dept. and the State Police. If the village police department
More training is always warranted.
I fully support Cambridge Police Officers and the amazing jobs they do! The job has never been easy but doing it nowadays is beyond challenging. Keep up the great work.
I live in Coila, NY.
I'm not saying Cambridge police officers are horrible, many are super nice and I'm happy to talk with them and call for help when necessary! We should increase training and promote other techniques/resources to solve some issues we tend to rely on the police to solve. Police are super helpful and necessary, but we shouldn't rely on them to fix everything, because they can't and that's okay, and it's unfair to expect them to know how to and to solve everything.
I think we all need bias and unconscious bias training periodically. I am a retired teacher and I welcomed that training.
The additional training is not important due to shortcomings, instead because of current events in the country safe creating a situation that could interfere with their ability to perform their jobs. Additional techniques could save a citizen or even the officer.
I don't think our officers necessarily have any issue with race relations, that's not why I answered the question that way. I feel it's something we don't have a lot of experience with here and people could always use more training in what we don't know.
Get your act together
Officers who are suspected of domestic abuse should not be officers. It was a known secret that chief bell abused his wife and that eroded much of my trust and respect in the Cambridge police force policies.Officers who are suspected of domestic abuse should not be officers. It was a known secret that chief bell abused his wife and that eroded much of my trust and respect in the Cambridge police force policies.
I chose de-escalation techniques because I think this is An area that anyone could benefit from
The majority of the population understands that this is a very difficult job and we sincerely appreciate all of our law enforcement officers.
I chose substance abuse above due to current and past issues the community has faced in regards to young people and drugs.
It would be great to get some more diversity in the department, recognizing there's not a lot of diversity in the village so that may not be feasible. But having a more diverse police force would, I hope, give kids (and adults) a wider range of role models. Also continuing (post Covid) to be visible on the sidewalks, at events, socializing with the public to help maintain trust and openness. Would also be great if new officers could have a longer period of training prior to "hitting the streets" - not sure what the current requirements are, but previously they seemed to be active in the village prior to completing their training at the academy. Would feel more confident having them finish their training first.
Keep up the great work
Thank you
I have decided NOT to bring my friends of color back to my hometown on many occasions because I am scared of the violence they may face, either from police or residents.
The above was hard to answer because I simply haven't had enough interactions with them to provide I fair & reasonable response. I chose substance abuse and mental health otherwise.
I answered Mental Health above not because I know of any instance where this has been an issue, but because I feel this is something all officers need.
Thank you
Thank you for engaging in this process. I hope that stakeholders who are Persons of Color will be involved with the review meetings
I think all of those trainings would be good to have but I'm not aware of which ones are most needed at this point
As a mental health provider; I see a great need in how the police could do better. There needs to be more involvement with social services and bias training, to start. There seems to be a preference to not engage around race issues and this gives the impression that there is bias. Which maybe there is, as we all are biased to some degree. I would encourage that there be a mental health provider to be on the panel of stakeholders as you move forward, as well as some BIPOC folks from our community. Maybe the folks who have been victimized by <name redacted>? Also, I take offense to officers wearing and flying Back the Blue flags on police department time. I think this practice should be stopped. It doesn't not give the impression of a police department that is impartial and working with all members of it's community.
From my experience, I have always been dismayed that SOME law enforcement personnel feel that they are entitled to undue "respect". Respect should be earned. These individuals are not professional. Professionals are less reactionary and are better suited for the job.
I hope there are quantifiable data as part of this process (including, for example, the racial breakdown of motorists who are stopped and/or ticketed).
It would be great ( after Covid) if we could have a meet the force day where the community could meet the officers and hear about training and experience of our police force. Q & A time.
They only need "more" training because everyone can always use more to keep up to date and sharp. No problems currently
It is imperative that police officers have increased awareness of services that are available in our area especially as it relates to mental health and substance abuse. I find it disheartening that Washington County Mobile crisis is under utilized. There are services in our area that could alleviate the stress on the local department and also improve quality of services for individuals being served.
Some of the police budget should be spent on social workers/therapists instead of police. Police are trained to deal with crime and violence and it is unfair to ask and expect them to be able to deal with problems that really require professional training in psychology. We need a smaller police dept., smaller and fewer vehicles. If we better train them, we should better pay them.
For the most part, my experiences with the Cambridge PD have been positive. When my neighbor's dogs are driving me crazy or someone's bonfire is smoking out the neighborhood during no-burn season, it's good to have someone with the authority to handle it. I was also very glad to have police on call the one time I really felt endangered.
■=Village Resident Response ■=Non-Resident Response
