The Eureka Police Department is forming a new citizen panel that will advise Chief Andy Mills on a wide variety of topics, including the budget, department policy and complaints filed by citizens against police personnel.
The department is now accepting applications from city residents, property owners and business owners who may wish to serve a two-year term on the new commission, which is being called the “Chief of Police Advisory Panel” (CAP). Prospective CAP members are expected to attend one meeting each month, and will be expected to serve on at least one of various panel subcommittees (“Budget,” “Policy” and “Personnel”). Occasionally members will be called upon to give presentations to the public.
The application for membership to the panel envisions that meetings of the panel will operate like other meetings of local government standing committees — open to the public, with closed sessions for legally sensitive matters.
In particular, it appears that the panel will have access to internal affairs records that had previously been locked away in department files. From the application:
CAP will ensure through review that all complaints made against EPD officers by citizens of the community are investigated thoroughly, completely and fairly, giving equal consideration to citizens and police officers alike. The Board will make every effort to review the facts of each case independently and objectively evaluating the evidence impartially.
The panel will also review “all officer-involved shootings, all in-custody deaths and all police actions that result in the death of a person.”
Applications for the six positions on the panel will be accepted through May 29. At that point, Mills told the Outpost this morning, he, City Manager Greg Sparks and Mayor Frank Jager will interview applicants and come to consensus on the panel’s final membership.
EPD press release:
Applications are now being accepted through May 29, 2015 to serve on Eureka’s Chief of Police Advisory Panel (CAP). The purpose of the panel is to give oversight, support, and guidance to the Chief of Police for the purpose of improving transparency and fostering stronger relationships with the community.
Advise this man.
The CAP will examine the police budget, policy and procedures, and personnel complaints. The CAP as directed by the Chief of Police will also review all police actions that result in the death or serious injury of a person.
Members of this panel should consist of a diverse group of individuals from a variety of disciplines and organizations. A panel of six will be selected to serve a two-year tern. Selected applicants are subject to a background check.
Applicants must print and submit their application to the Chief of Police no later than noon on May 29, 2015 at Eureka Police, 604 C Street, Eureka or email to Mary Kirby at mkirby@ci.eureka.ca.gov. Please visit this link for the full application and objectives. Chief’s Advisory Panel Application
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