News Release: Department to Select Police Chief's Advisory Group
Police Chief Robert Jonsen is looking to recruit 16 members of the Palo Alto community to serve as an advisory group for the police department. Those selected will represent neighborhoods throughout the city and act as liaisons between the residents and the police department.
Members of the public who are selected will agree to listen to the needs of the community and the police department in the interest of providing advice and guidance to mutually benefit all. The group will work as a team to provide feedback to the department and help personnel serve the community.
Each member will provide input from their neighborhoods and share concerns and ideas with the Palo Alto Police Chief. They will engage their respective neighborhoods, and participate in consensus decision making. The group will meet every other month with the Chief.
“It’s important to have openness between the community and the police. It helps our department understand the public and it can help us improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Police Chief Robert Jonsen.
The advisory group will consist of 16 members and should represent each of the major neighborhoods throughout the city. To qualify, you must be either a Palo Alto resident or a Palo Alto business owner. Applicants should have an understanding of the police department and have knowledge of their specific neighborhood and its various issues and challenges. It’s preferable if applicants have attended the Citizens Police Academy, but it is not a requirement.
Upon selection, members will be considered Police Department volunteers and will be subject to being fingerprinted and undergoing a criminal background check. If you are interested in being a member of the advisory group, please send an email of interest to [email protected] and an application and further information will be sent to you.
Address/Location
Palo Alto Police Department
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-329-2406