BWC Update (6.25.26) — File 26-1123

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS MAYOR JAKE WILSON CITY HALL ● 93 HIGHLAND AVENUE ● SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS 02143 [phone removed], EXT. 2100 ● TTY: [phone removed]● FAX: (617) 625- 3434 ● E-MAIL: mayor@somervillema.gov www.somervillema.gov ● FB.com/SomervilleCity ● Date: June 25, 2026 To: City Council From: Jake Wilson, Mayor RE: Body-Worn Cameras Dear Honorable Members of the City Council: As you know, there are several items before your honorable Council related to body- worn cameras. Item 26-0378, submitted March 26, 2026, is a request for acceptance of grant funds from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. These funds are critical to procurement of the hardware required to launch a body-worn camera initiative in the City. Additional information regarding the timing of expending these funds, as well as additional costs that the City will incur was also submitted to this Council on June 11, 2026, as item 26-1034. The City has successfully negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officer Association (SPSOA). This agreement includes an updated body-worn camera policy that allows for immediate implementation of body-worn cameras. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with the Somerville Police Employees Association (SPEA) for a collective bargaining agreement containing the same policy. As such, it is this administration’s intent to expend the full amount of the grant ($231,635.00) awarded to the City to procure the necessary equipment in anticipation of future phased implementation. The deadlines associated with the acceptance of this grant item are of paramount concern, particularly given the constrained fiscal environment facing the City. The terms of the grant agreement specify it is valid through August 31, 2026. My administration also respects the provisions of the Code of Ordinances requiring the approval of a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) and Technology Specific Use Policy before implementing these technologies. Item 26-0999, submitted June 11, 2026, (replacing item 26-0484, submitted March 26, 2026, to allow for as much review as possible prior to a specific product selection) and item 26- 1000, also submitted June 11, 2026, are the updated Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) and the Technology Specific Use Policy, respectively. These were submitted as soon as this administration was aware of the specific technology that would be procured.

2 Given the typical schedule for this Council, including the summer recess, I respectfully request that this body discharge the above-referenced items from their respective committees for deliberation and action by the City Council in July. It would be a disservice to our residents and constituents to allow $231,635 in grant funding to expire due to scheduling. I understand the Council’s desire to hear from the public prior voting on these items. To that end, I would be happy to call a Special Meeting of the City Council in July to facilitate a public hearing and any additional deliberation needed on the items. Please let the IGA team know if there are any further questions on any of the above information. Thank you, Jake Wilson Mayor