Cambridge police commissioner, who became first woman to lead department, retiring

Then-Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow in 2024.Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Christine Elow, who made history in 2022 as Cambridge’s first woman police commissioner, is retiring after serving the department for more than 30 years.

Elow, a Cambridge native, first joined the force in 1995, and over the years worked in various units, including patrol operations, support services, professional standards, and community services.

Elow’s last day is Friday, according to a city spokesperson.

Pauline Wells, a longtime Cambridge police official who most recently served as superintendent of operations, has been named acting police commissioner, according to a statement from the city of Cambridge.

The statement said under Elow, Cambridge police “strengthened its commitment to transparency, procedural justice, and community driven public safety.”

Christine Elow chatted with Marcel Barrows of Boston in Central Square in 2024.Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

With Elow at the helm, the department implemented a body-worn camera program, launched a dashboard to boost department transparency, and achieved a nationally-recognized accreditation for professional standards, according to the city.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang said in statement he was grateful for Elow’s “extraordinary service and profound impact.”