Update on Boston parade After Action report FINAL 10.24.19 — File 209161

MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable President and Members of the City Council FROM: Annie Connor, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Mayor’s Office and David Fallon, Chief of Police, Somerville Police Department DATE: October 24, 2019 RE: Update on police department investigation and after action report on the August 31st, 2019 Boston parade and counter-protest ______________________________________________________________________________ The Somerville Police Department has concluded a two-month long investigation into the role that Somerville police officers played in policing the Boston parade and counter-protest that took place on Saturday, August 31st, 2019. As part of this investigation, the Somerville Police Department has diligently examined videos, reviewed statements, and pursued all relevant information and evidence regarding this event. Through the course of this investigation, they have identified significant lessons learned that will be operationalized moving forward. As the final step of this investigation, the Somerville Police Department is in the process of finalizing the after action report. Due to the import that this after action report has for our residents, our police department and the City, more time is required to do this. It is estimated that this report will be completed by mid to late November at which point a copy of the report will be formally submitted to the City Council. Once it is submitted, the Administration and the Chief of Police would welcome the opportunity to come before the Council to discuss the contents of the report and address any questions the Council may have. In addition to submitting the report, the Administration and the Chief of Police will also lay out the plan for continuing our community engagement on this issue. Although the investigation, the public hearing, and the report are all important pieces of the overall response in this instance, they are by no means sufficient. It is also incumbent upon the Administration, in concert with the City Council, to provide a forum for continuing the broader community dialogue among all of the individuals who have been impacted and all others who wish to participate in this vital discussion. There are important aspects of this incident, such as the individual experiences of our residents and our police officers who attended this event, that cannot be captured in a report. Creating a space to share and talk about those experiences – and collaboratively developing constructive responses to them - is an integral part of processing what happened and determining which steps will help us move forward in our ongoing goals to be an inclusive, responsive, compassionate and equitable community for all. The Administration and the Chief of Police look forward to continued collaboration with the City Council in advancing these efforts.