Chapter 2.22
COMMUNITY-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sections:
2.22.020 Purpose and objectives.
2.22.030 Membership and term of office.
2.22.040 Committee chairperson and vice-chairperson selection.
2.22.010 Created – Defined.
This chapter shall be known as the “Community-Police Advisory Committee Ordinance.” The community-police advisory committee is created and established. The term “committee” shall refer to the Cotati community-police advisory committee. The police auxiliary commission is hereby dissolved. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.020 Purpose and objectives.
The purpose and intent of the committee is to serve as an advisory committee for the city council to further community partnerships with the Cotati police department in a constructive way, provide an advisory forum for discussions between community group members and the chief of police, afford a platform for direct community feedback about public safety, and involve citizens in community based safety programs. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.030 Membership and term of office.
A. The committee shall consist of five members, selected through an application process and interview panel comprised of two city council members and the city manager.
B. The term of each member shall be three years after the initial appointments. Of the five members initially appointed, two shall be for a term of two years and three shall be for a term of three years.
C. All terms of office shall commence on January 1st of the year of appointment. Any unexpected vacancies on the committee shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner in which regular appointments are otherwise made. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.040 Committee chairperson and vice-chairperson selection.
The chairperson of the committee shall be elected by a majority vote of committee members in January of each year. A vice-chairperson to serve in the absence of the chairperson shall likewise be elected in January of each year. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.050 Meetings.
A. The committee shall meet regularly and no less than once every quarter (once every three months throughout a calendar year). Meetings shall be held at City Hall in the city council chambers, unless otherwise authorized by the city council. Special meetings of the committee may be called by the chairperson or three members of the committee.
B. A majority of appointed committee members shall constitute a quorum for any transaction of business that would require a vote.
C. The time and place of all committee meetings shall be posted in advance, with meetings open to the public according to state law. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987. Formerly 2.22.060).
2.22.060 Removal from office.
Any of the committee members may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the city council. If a member of the committee does not attend two regular meetings in any twelve-month period, his or her membership shall automatically be terminated. By a majority vote, the committee may recommend to the city council the removal of a committee member. His or her successor shall be appointed in the same manner in which regular appointments are otherwise made. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 519 § 3, 1989: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987. Formerly 2.22.070).
2.22.070 Duties.
A. To act as a liaison between the community, the Cotati police department, the city manager, and city council.
B. To assist in the development of community policing concepts that increase public awareness and address community-police relations regarding public safety.
C. To engage in discussions, as permitted by law, to include the following:
1. Arrest and crime statistics;
2. Use of force statistics and summaries;
3. Complaint statistics, allegations and findings/outcomes;
4. Notable crime trends and public safety initiatives;
5. Notable community events and engagements;
6. Giving and receiving input and suggestions on ways to better engage with the community;
7. Police trainings.
D. By majority vote, the committee may make written recommendations to the chief of police.
E. To have the chairperson or delegated committee member appointed by the chairperson participate in oral boards and/or panels for applicants to the positions of chief of police and police lieutenant.
F. Twice per year, to report to the city council on the committee’s activities and recommendations. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987. Formerly 2.22.080).
2.22.080 Staffing.
A. All departments of the city, through the office of the city manager, shall, when reasonably practicable and in accordance with law, furnish necessary existing public information and data, as well as provide technical assistance and advice as needed, to aid the committee in the performance of their designated duties.
B. The city manager shall provide or cause to be provided adequate staff to help maintain records for the committee.
C. The police chief shall provide a written response to recommendations made by the committee within six months. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987. Formerly 2.22.090).
2.22.090 Qualifications.
A. During the selection process for committee members, city council and the city manager are encouraged to seek a diverse pool of applicants who reflect and represent multiple races, ethnicities, genders, orientations, backgrounds, and perspectives from the community. Committee members are required to be one of the following: a resident, a business owner with a physical address in Cotati, or the leader of faith-based or community organization with a physical address in Cotati. Committee members must be in good standing with the city, including no outstanding debts or judgments.
B. Applicants for the committee will be required to submit to a criminal screening prior to appointment. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not move forward in the process and be appointed to the committee.
C. Applicants and committee members shall not have a history involving incidents of violence or moral turpitude, defined as one who engages in behavior, actions, and/or criminal conduct with the intent to deceive, defraud, or harm another person, or have been convicted of a felony.
D. Committee members shall not be city employees or members of an employee’s household, attorneys involved in cases with law enforcement, nor involved in any criminal, civil, or administrative cases with the city of Cotati or the Cotati police department.
E. Committee members shall participate in a “ride along” and training with the Cotati police department within three months of appointment.
F. Committee members who do not meet the above requirements to serve on the committee shall be automatically removed. (Ord. 926 § 2, 2024; Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 460 § 2, 1987. Formerly 2.22.120).