CAN REPORT ON 4/22/26
POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Report by Amy J. Craig, CAN Board Member
2026 1st Quarter Report
https://www.choosecambridge.com/159/Police-Department
Meeting Summary: I attended the April 22, 2026, Police Advisory Board Meeting held at the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with Chief Todd and Mayor Lajan Cephas welcoming everyone. Also in attendance were Council President Sputty Cephas, City Manager Glenn Steckman, Lt. Greg McCray, Capt. Shawn Henson, Capt. Antwon Patton, Tyzan Meekins (remote), Mike Stewart, Shantay Nelson, Talibah Chikwendu, Bob Rowe.
Chief Todd reported on the 2026 1st Quarter Report (January-March). A copy of which is attached. Some highlights were that there was one non-fatal young adult shooting; surveillance operations for drugs and prostitution; the shot spotter alerts had decreased from the previous quarter; three drone operations where large drugs and three-gun crimes had been observed. Homelessness is still an issue. Mental health calls for service with referrals to mental health care. CID investigations have improved from January to March. Traffic stops have increased because of increase in complaints. There are new traffic/speed monitors that are moved to neighborhood streets in response to complaints. Bob Rowe found discrepancies in narrative vs numbers. The Chief indicated that he would relay discrepancies to Sgt. Chris Flynn and changes would be made if necessary.
There has been an increase in unsanctioned events/parties. The police have become aware of the events from social media monitoring and reports. Most of the invitations are AI generated and therefore unable to track the initiator/host. The police are partnering with City Staff for plan of action to make residents and public safe. Captains and Lieutenants are always on call if things get out of control. Arrests have been made, including a 16 yo that had a warrant from Delaware. Some of the participants that were arrested were not from Cambridge. The police are working with the City Managers/Council to possibly come up with an ordinance to control these events. There has been interagency cooperation with the Mid Shore Crime Information Center and the MSP because most of the pops ups that are held in Cambridge are organized in Hurlock and Delaware. The pop-up events are usually in apartment complexes so now property managers are being notified so that they can address and be accountable. Public works have helped with setting up blockades, taping off areas and signage. Regulations within park areas are also being reviewed to possibly shorten park hours.
There are 176 surveillance cameras in the City and LDRs are alerting patrol cars. More cameras will be installed this summer. Two cameras were destroyed in Cornish Park with 2 arrests made and the cameras have been replaced. These problems are nationwide.
Capt. Henson – CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies): working on internal policies to be compliant. 190 separate standards have been standardized. There have been four rewrites, and five new policies have been added. There have been 2 visits to other accredited agencies. The internal evidence handling is big issue that needs to be addressed. Training requirements are being implemented. New evidence tracking system with bar codes will assist. A public link to the handbook has been suspended because they realized that sensitive policies were available for the public to read.
Lt. McCrae reported on bike safety items. Attached is a flyer that will be used for public education. Chief Todd also did a facebook bike safety video. A month of public campaign will be conducted. Will quantify on how many were given flyers were given out. Insurance does not cover if an accident occurs. If such an accident with bike or scooter occurs, then it is handled as a civil matter. There are seven certified bike officers. There will also be school outreach. No bicycle should be on any sidewalk. There are plans to increase bike lane within the city.
High in Plain Sight events are scheduled. See attached flyer. June 16th from 6-7:15 pm at CSDHS for adults only; Professional Staff Presentation June 17th from 9-12 p at CSDHS. Focus is on OPIOD use.
SANTE Co-Responder Mobile Crisis Response Pilot Program: Flyer attached. The program is to assist with mental health issues in the City. The Chief has done a letter of commitment to bring the program to Cambridge. A social worker is present 5 days a week. A timeline for the program is being developed. Sue Radcliffe, LCSW-C, will assist the assigned social worker. The funding is in place. Sante desperately wants calls for help and to be able to assist the department. A meeting with the current Sheriff for collaboration is being sought.
Capt. Patton reported on community events. Flag Football: a grant has been received from the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention. The funds were used to buy equipment, gun violence control and Swat Team equipment. A warrant apprehension grant was used to by ballistic shields and vests. Cameras: 7 new poles and 4 cameras per pole either are or will be installed. They will be added to high crime with elderly populated areas. Community policing project in collaboration with Chesapeake College for “cooking with a cop” a New Beginnings on Wednesday nights. They will be cooking ethnic food to include Hispanic and Pakistani.
Flag Football: Opening Day is May 2nd with 430 youth enrolled. They will play on Saturdays for 6 weeks at the Parks & Recs fields off Linden Avenue. Next year the plan is to do a Fall Under the Lights Program to expand their experiences.
There will also be tickets for 250 senior citizens to attend Shorebirds games. The tickets are in a sky box suite with food. There will also be a game in the picnic area with 100 tickets.
Mace’s Land Middle School/New Life Christ Church Passport to Manhood Program. There are 20 enrolled and will be working on a weekly basis on basic life skills (i.e. How to wash clothes, etiquette, tie a tie, and manhood lessons. One police officer will be assigned to 2 attendees.
Senior and Law Enforcement Program: will meet Tuesday and Thursdays for a summer walking program.
Dads on the Dock in partnership with R&D Boat Supply: will allow children to fish at Long Wharf with an adult.
Senior Citizen Appreciation Day will be held in late June.
Special Olympic Campaign Fundraiser: opportunity to buy Special Olympics Torch Run T-Shirts. June 5th with be “Cops on the Roof” at Chick Fil A.
Peace Rally: doing yoga with children at Sandy Hill Elementary School with the police. There will be 2 more sessions during the summer.
Officers are volunteering on their off times for community-oriented policing.
Council President Sputty Cephas told of a recent experience he had while traveling to Fells Point in Baltimore City. City employees that had City Department identification where in the area and engagement with the community.
Bob Rowe asked about ICE engagement in the city. The Chief responded that CPD is here to protect and serve citizens and is not allowing any other agencies to be treated differently. If criminal activity occurs there will be a full investigation.
Included in this quarter’s report is information on K9 use/search. Mike Stewart felt that posture has changed over the last 10 years and asked for data for that time frame. The Chief suggested that he reach out to Sgt. Flynn.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 pm.