Cambridge Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department — the civilian oversight body for Cambridge. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police DepartmentHow easy is it to share feedback with Cambridge?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 07/17/2024.
Cambridge Police Department (MA)
How to file a complaint about a Cambridge Police Department officer
The Cambridge Police Department serves roughly 118,960 residents. If you had a problem with an officer, you have three distinct ways to file a complaint — and they are not equivalent. Here is how each one works in Cambridge, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department — independent civilian oversight
The Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Cambridge Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. No notarization is required to file.
- How the Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department complaint process works
- By phone: 617.349.3384
- In person or by mail: 125 Sixth St, Cambridge MA 2139
- Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department website
2. Cambridge Police Department Cambridge Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Cambridge Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. The department has not publicly confirmed whether anonymous complaints are investigated.
- Email: qualitycontrol@cambridgepolice.org
- Phone: 617.349.6155
- In person or by mail: 51 Inman St, Cambridge MA 2139
- Department page on the complaint process
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Professional Standards Unit of Cambridge Police Department so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- As of our last audit, the Cambridge Police Department homepage did not link to a complaint-filing page — one reason many residents struggle to find the correct channel.
- General department line: 617-349-3300
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 07/17/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.