Christine Elow Becomes First Woman To Lead Cambridge Police Department As Commissioner

The Cambridge native Elow was sworn in Monday in a ceremony that was private because of the coronavirus pandemic, the city announced in a statement. She had been acting police commissioner in the state's fourth-largest city since August when she took over for Branville Bard Jr.

Elow, a Navy veteran, has been with the department since 1995. The department was founded in 1859.

"My entire career has been dedicated to serving the Cambridge community," she said in a statement. "I grew up in Cambridge and love working in this city. Now, I look forward to building off what we have started since I was named acting Police Commissioner and am truly honored to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the department."

Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui welcomed the appointment.

"She is an exemplary role model and has gained my trust and the trust of many in the community through her leadership, integrity, and distinction," she said.

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