Cambridge Police Department Celebrates Black History Month

Every year, the Cambridge Police Department celebrates Black History Month by featuring historical placards commemorating the service and achievements of influential African-American members of the Cambridge Police Department.

One celebrated figure is Sergeant Frederick Arthur Robinson. Robinson was appointed to the Cambridge Police Department as its first black police officer in 1884 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1904. Sergeant Robinson retired in 1914 after 30 years of service shortly before passing away that same year. As stated in the December 17, 1914 issue of the Cambridge Chronicle, “He was considered an ideal patrolman and superior officer, and his knowledge of police matters ranked him with the leaders.”
Another notable figure is Commissioner Ronnie Watson, who served the Cambridge Police Department for 33 years. Watson began his career with the department in 1963 and served at various ranks when his military career allowed. Watson was appointed Cambridge’s second Police Commissioner, and first black Commissioner, in 1996. Serious crime in Cambridge steadily decreased during his 10 years as Commissioner, and in his last full year in 2006, the City of Cambridge recorded its lowest Uniform Crime Reporting Index number to the F.B.I. in over 45 years.
To learn more about the history of the Cambridge Police Department, visit http://www2.cambridgema.gov/CPD/About/History.cfm.