Community members invited to apply for a position on new Police Community Advisory Committee
January 5, 2024
The City of Vancouver is now seeking community members to join its newly formed Police Community Advisory Committee. This committee will play a crucial role in advising the City Manager on issues related to police services in Vancouver.
The Police Community Advisory Committee builds on the City’s recent efforts to improve police services. Since 2019, the department has implemented 84 recommendations identified by the Police Executive Research Forum to help improve Vancouver Police Department (VPD) culture, policies and practices around use of force. These improvements include implementing a body camera and vehicle camera program in 2023.
The committee will identify community safety needs, gaps in services and ways to improve policing and public safety. Committee members will also assist in directing potential future investments in police services and identifying meaningful outcomes and impacts for the community.
“Launching this new committee builds on past work to involve our community members in helping identify priorities, gaps and needs for the Vancouver Police Department in the context of the entire public safety ecosystem,” said City Manager Eric Holmes.” Given the growing demand for services, there is a sense of urgency around defining best practices to do that.”
The committee will meet monthly from February to June 2024, with future meetings determined with input from committee members. Members will be compensated for their time and expertise.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30.
Visit cityofvancouver.us/policeadvisory to apply and learn more.
“We strongly encourage people from all neighborhoods, backgrounds and experiences to apply,” said William Cooley, community engagement manager for the City. “We are particularly interested in including the voices of those who have experienced crime or been involved with the criminal justice system. Prior experience on boards, commissions or committees is not required.”
For more information about the committee or assistance with applying, please contact William Cooley at william.cooley@cityofvancouver.us.
Contact: Tim Becker, strategic communications manager, tim.becker@cityofvancouver.us