Chief Robert Jonsen has selected 32 members of the community to comprise his new Chief’s Advisory Group, which met for the first time last month. Those selected represent a wide geographical representation of neighborhoods throughout the city. Their role is to act as liaisons between the residents and the Police Department to help improve the quality of life in Palo Alto.
The community members selected provide input from their neighborhoods and share concerns and ideas with Chief Jonsen. They will engage residents within their respective neighborhoods and participate in consensus decision-making. The Chief considers their viewpoints and concerns in planning and responding to various issues and challenges the city faces.
The Department hosted the first meeting of the Chief’s Advisory Group last month. Topics of discussion during the session included reviewing the Department’s policy on body worn cameras and designing neighborhood traffic plans. At each meeting, issues that are considered high priorities for the community (i.e. traffic enforcement, recent crime) are discussed. The group also learns about a variety of items including future planning, policies, and procedures. A photograph of the first meeting is attached to this news release.
“We are receiving positive feedback from our members about the formation of the Advisory Group. We’re excited about their participation and what they can offer going forward,” said Chief Jonsen.
Chief Jonsen interviewed all applicants prior to their selection and each underwent fingerprinting and a background check. He accepted every community member who applied for the position. They all either live or work in Palo Alto and are very interested in the city’s future and public safety. The group meets every other month with the Chief and members of his command staff. For more information about the Chief’s Advisory Group, see our initial news release about it from last summer by clicking https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/press/display.asp?layout=1&Entry=1628.
