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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws____________________________________________________________________________________ FOR CITY CLERK ONLY Council Meeting: February 5, 2024 Disposition: Resolution 15276 Agenda Item No: 7.a Meeting Date: February 5, 2024 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: City Manager’s Office Prepared by: Angela Robinson Piñon, Assistant City Manager City Manager Approval: ______________ TOPIC: POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS SUBJECT: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE BYLAWS FOR THE POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution establishing the bylaws for the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee. BACKGROUND: On June 5, 2023, the San Rafael City Council adopted Resolution No. 15225 (Attachment 2) establishing the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (“PAAC” or “Committee”). At that time, the City Council directed staff to work with the Committee to co-create its bylaws. Staff prepared a draft bylaws document as a starting point for to be presented and discussed with the Committee at its first meeting. Staff developed the draft to align with the City Council resolution establishing the committee, feedback received from the community during 2022 and 2023 outreach, and for consistency with the City of San Rafael’s Rules and Procedures for Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs) (English / Spanish), adopted by the City Council on March 20, 2023. At the PAAC meeting on December 20th, 2023, staff requested the Committee’s feedback on the draft bylaws. At that meeting, the Committee decided to continue this item to their next meeting to allow more time for Committee members to review the draft bylaws and to consider what feedback, would be provided to staff. The staff report for that PAAC meeting is included as Attachment 3. On January 17, 2024, staff returned to the Committee seeking their feedback. That staff report has is included as Attachment 4. The Committee discussed and considered suggested edits prepared by Alternate Committee member Salamah Locks which are included as Attachment 5. ANALYSIS: Staff prepared a revision to the initial draft based on the collective feedback from the Committee. Please refer to Attachment 6 for staff’s recommended edits and a revised final version of the bylaws. The Committee was interested in incorporating some of Alternate Member Locks suggested edits, SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 which are reflected in Sections 1.2 “Purpose” and 1.3 “Committee Responsibility, in the revised final bylaw document included as Attachment 6. The proposed bylaws include a provision that all members are eligible based on their income to receive a $50 monthly stipend. During the recruitment for the PAAC, it was advertised that stipends would be available; therefore, the bylaws reference stipends. The procedures for the administration of the Stipend Pilot Program will be noted in the forthcoming staff report from the City Clerk. The PAAC also considered a 4-month work plan at their January 17th meeting. In addition to training topics recommended by the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD), the PAAC was asked to prioritize topics of “community concern” for discussion at future meetings. The four topics identified were Recruitment and Selection, Law Enforcement Training, Mental Health/Alternative Response, and the SRPD response to Homelessness. The work is intended to support the PAAC’s role in advising the City Council on the training, hiring practices and accountability of the SRPD. The 4-month work plan is summarized in the table below. Month Agenda Items February 1. Police Department Orientation, Structure, Policy & Command Staff Introduction 2. Recruitment and Selection March 1. Peace Officer Procedural Bill of Rights 2. Professional Standards/ Internal Affairs April 1. Military Equipment (AB 481 Overview) 2. Law Enforcement Training May 1. Use of Force / Force Options 2. Mental Health and Alternative Response In either April or May, the PAAC will consider additional topics for future meetings. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. OPTIONS: The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter: 1. Adopt the resolution. 2.Adopt a modified resolution. 3.Direct staff to return with more information. 4.Take no action. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Resolution 2.Resolution No. 15225 3.December 20, 2023 PAAC Staff Report 4.January 17, 2024 PAAC Staff Report 5.Alternate Member Locks Suggested Edits Presented at the January 17, 2024 PAAC Meeting 6.Revised Final PAAC Bylaws RESOLUTION NO. 15276 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ESTABLISHING THE BYLAWS FOR THE POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, On June 5, 2023, the City Council did establish a Police Advisory and Accountability Committee; and WHEREAS, the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee did meet on December 20, 2023 and January 17, 2024 to provide feedback on the draft bylaws; and WHEREAS, the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee’s bylaws in Exhibit A attached hereto incorporated feedback from the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, and are recommended by staff; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby adopts the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws as set forth in Exhibit A. I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 5th day of February 2024, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk EXHIBIT A: POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws Page 1 of 3 POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, hereinafter referred to as the “Committee.” Section 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to provide input to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedures, including those related to community relations, hiring, and training best practices. In addition to improving transparency and accountability, the Committee will build points of collaboration between the San Rafael Police Department and the community. Additionally, the Committee will review data and policies and facilitate authentic community engagement. Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Committee’s authority is advisory only. The Committee has no power to act on behalf of the City of San Rafael or any other entity. The Committee does not have power or authority to investigate, review or participate in specific police personnel matters or specific police-related incidents, receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the San Rafael Police Department, or play any role in civil or criminal litigation. It shall be the function and duty of the Committee to: • Act as a sounding board for the Community, City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback to proposed police programs and priorities. • Make recommendations to the City Council regarding police policy, procedures, hiring practices, training, and best practices. • Request data related to SRPD operations, which shall be presented and accessible during public meetings of the Committee to the extent permitted by law. • Conduct ongoing community outreach and engagement efforts with all communities. • Public reports detailing the engagement efforts and other work of the committee over the course of the year shall be produced annually at a Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws Page 2 of 3 minimum and presented at a City Council meeting to inform the community of the work of the Committee. • In an effort to foster relationships that promote accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in its work, the Committee will prioritize effective communication and collaboration with SRPD. • Advise the City Council, the City Manager, the Committee members, and the Police Department on matters associated with the following: 1. Improve the feeling of safety and security. 2. Increase cultural competencies, empathy, and customer service skills. 3. Build trust and improve relationships with the community. 4. Increase diversity of the police department workforce. 5. Improve transparency, communication, and accountability. • Inform themselves on matters affecting the functions and duties of the Police Department and to that end, will participate in training as recommended by the City Council, the City Manager, or the Police Chief or the Committee members. • Promote community interest and understanding of police operations, policy, priorities and community relations. • Promote SRPD understanding of the priorities and requests of community members. • The Committee shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions, findings, and determinations, which records shall be a public record. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP Section 2.1. Number of Members. The Committee shall consist of a total of seven (7) regular voting members, at least one (1) shall be a youth member between the ages of 17-26, and two (2) alternates. Section 2.2. Eligibility. The seven (7) voting Committee members, and any alternate, must be City of San Rafael residents who are at least 18 years old (except for one youth member between the ages of 17-26). Section 2.3. Term Limits. Members of the Committee shall be limited to two (2) consecutive four-year terms. Additional terms may be served if there is a break between terms. Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws Page 3 of 3 Section 2.4. Absence and Removal. An unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive Committee meetings without notification to the Staff Liaison, or six absences (whether excused or unexcused) in any term shall be considered a voluntary resignation from the Committee. Previously dismissed Committee members may be eligible for reappointment to the Committee. Section 2.5. Compensation. Committee members shall be entitled to $50 a month stipend. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS Section 3.1. Time and date of Regular Meeting. Notification of meeting place, date, and time shall be rendered to the public through posting on the City of San Rafael website. The Committee shall meet every month, on a consistent day of the month, and shall be scheduled annually. Meetings may be cancelled as needed. The regular meeting schedule for the upcoming year will be set by December of the previous year. 1 RESOLUTION NO. 15225 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael, hosted community meetings which resulted in the feedback on policing in San Rafael; and WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael seeks to improve transparency, communication, trust, and accountability between the San Rafael Police Department and the community; and WHEREAS, the creation of a Police Advisory and Accountability Committee will serve to improve public transparency and accountability and community relationships with the San Rafael Police Department and the City; and WHEREAS, the creation of a Police Advisory and Accountability Committee will purposefully serve as a sounding board for the City Council, the City Manager and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the San Rafael City Council as follows: 1. The City of San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee is hereby established as an advisory committee to the City Council to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedures. 2. The Committee will be comprised of seven members appointed by the City Council and may include alternate(s). Committee members must be City of San Rafael residents, who have pledged to be impartial, unbiased, and objective. The membership of the Committee should be inclusive and reflective of community members of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, and various communities of interest. Committee members must be City of San Rafael residents at least 18 years old (except for one designated seat for a youth member between ages of 17-26) Members are not required to have any specialty knowledge or particular skills to be eligible. The City Council will appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair for the initial first-year term of the Committee. 3. Each Committee member will serve a term of four (4) years, except for certain initial appointments which will be shorter to ensure that the terms are staggered, and not all of the appointments expire in the same year. Members will be limited to two consecutive four-year terms. 4. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to conduct an open, community-wide call for applications for Committee members. 5. The Police Advisory and Accountability Committee shall be governed by the City of San Rafael Boards, Commissions and Committees Rules and Procedures, adopted 2 by the City Council by resolution in March 2023 (Resolution 15196). Staff will propose Police Advisory and Accountability Committee bylaws for City Council adoption at a future date following further community engagement. The bylaws will include specific details regarding responsibilities and meeting frequencies of the Committee. I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday, the 5th day of June, 2023, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None ABSENT: Councilmembers: None Lindsay Lara, City Clerk POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, hereinafter referred to as the “Committee.” Section 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to provide input to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedure. Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Committee’s authority is advisory only. The Committee has no power to act on behalf of the City of San Rafael or any other entity. The Committee does not have power or authority to investigate, review or participate in specific police personnel matters or specific police-related incidents, receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the San Rafael Police Department, or play any role in civil or criminal litigation. It shall be the function and duty of the Committee to: • Act as a sounding board for the City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback to proposed police programs and priorities. • Make recommendations to the City Council regarding police policy, procedures, and best practices. • Present a report at a City Council meeting regarding the activities of the committee. • Advise the City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department on matters associated with the following: 1. Improve the feeling of safety and security; 2. Increase cultural competencies, empathy, and customer service skills; 3. Build trust and improve relationships with the community; 4. Increase diversity of the police department workforce; and 5. Improve transparency, communication, and accountability. • Inform themselves on matters affecting the functions and duties of the Police Department and to that end, will participate in training as recommended by the City Council, the City Manager or the Police Chief. • Promote public interest and understanding of police operations, policy, priorities and community relations. The Committee shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions, findings, and determinations, which records shall be a public record. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP Section 2.1. Number of Members. The Committee shall consist of a total of seven (7) regular voting members, at least one (1) shall be a youth member age 17-26, and two (2) alternates. Section 2.2. Eligibility. The seven (7) voting Committee members, and any alternate, must be City of San Rafael residents who are at least 18 years old (except for one youth member between the ages of 17-26). Section 2.3. Term Limits. Members of the Committee shall be limited to two (2) consecutive four- year terms. Additional terms may be served if there is a break between terms. Section 2.4. Absence and Removal. An unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive Committee meetings without notification to the Staff Liaison, or six absences (whether excused or unexcused) in any term shall be considered a voluntary resignation from the Committee. Previously dismissed Committee members may be eligible for reappointment to the Committee. Section 2.5. Compensation. Committee members shall be entitled to $50 a month stipend. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS Section 3.1. Time and date of Regular Meeting. Notification of meeting place, date, and time shall be rendered to the public through posting on the City of San Rafael website. The Committee shall meet every month, on a consistent day of the month, and shall be scheduled annually. Meetings may be cancelled as needed. The schedule for the upcoming year will be set by December of the previous year. Page 1 of 2 POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT January 17, 2024 Item #2A TITLE: FEEDBACK ON DRAFT BYLAWS RECOMMENDATION: Provide feedback to staff on the draft bylaws. BACKGROUND: At the December 20, 2023, meeting of the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, the Committee decided to continue this item to the next meeting to allow more time for Committee members to review the draft bylaws and to consider what feedback, if any, would be provided to City staff. Once the Committee makes its recommendation, City staff will prepare a report to the Council that will include staff and the Committee’s recommendations. Final approval of the Board, Commission, and Committee bylaws is at the discretion of the City Council. DISCUSSION: City staff composed the draft bylaws based on the direction provided by the City Council in Resolution No. 15225 and feedback received on public safety themes and concerns identified by the community. Information regarding those themes may be found here: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/community-feedback-on-policing-in-san-rafael/. This feedback was organized into the following themes: • Build trust and improve relationships with the community; • Improve transparency, communication, and accountability; • Increase diversity of the police department workforce; • Increase cultural competencies, increase empathy, and customer service skills; and • Improve the feeling of safety and security. City staff recommends that should the Committee provide any feedback, it should align with public safety themes expressed by the community (documented in the web page linked above) and with the resolution adopted by the City Council that authorized the creation of the Committee. In addition to providing feedback on the draft bylaws, the Committee will be asked to approve its 2024 work plan. The proposed work plan will narrow the focus of the Committee's work for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year. Outside of the foundational training presented to the Committee, there will be additional work product for the Committee to review based on public safety concerns gathered during the community outreach conducted in 2022 and 2023. This work plan will be presented to the City Council, City Manager, and Police Department for consideration. Page 2 of 2 FISCAL IMPACT: None ALTERNATIVE ACTION: Any other action as determined by the Committee. Submitted by: Angela Robinson Piñon Assistant City Manager POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Police Community Advisory and Accountability Committee, hereinafter referred to as the “Committee.” Section 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to provide input to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedures. In addition to improving transparency and accountability within the SRPD, the Committee will work to humanize both the SRPD officers and the community in the eyes of one another, build points of collaboration, and improve services provided. This will be accomplished by receiving and reviewing the investigations of complaints, reviewing data and policies, facilitating authentic community engagement, conduction audits, and by making policy, procedure, hiring, and training recommendations that bring the commuinity’s perspective into collective decision making. Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Committee’s authority is advisory only review and oversight. The Committee has no power to act on behalf of the City of San Rafael or any other entity. The Committee does not have power or authority to investigate, review or participate in specific police personnel matters or specific police-related incidents, receive or review complaint initiated against personnel of the San Rafael Police Department, or play any role in civil or criminal litigation It shall be the function and duty of the Committee to: • Act as a sounding board for the Community, City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback to proposed police programs and priorities. • Make recommendations to the City Council regarding police policy, procedures, and best practices. • Present a report at a City Council meeting regarding the activities of the committee. • Receive and review completed investigations: Receive and review completed complaints, personnel misconduct, and use of force investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit of the SRPD and create public reports. • Make Policy Recommendations: The Committee shall make recommendations regarding policies, procedures, hiring, and training practices of SRPD.  • Request Data Related to SRPD Operations: Data shall be presented and accessible during public meetings of the Committee to the extent permitted by law. • Conduct Public Meetings: The Committee shall convene public meetings on RIPA data, use of military equipment, and any other public business related to the oversight of SRPD. • Collaborate with SRPD: The Committee, when possible, shall collaborate with SRPD to develop community policing initiatives focused on building trust and relationships in marginalized communities, including but not limited to working to assess crime prevention strategies and develop alternatives.  • Conduct Ongoing Community Outreach and Engagement Efforts: The Committee shall conduct ongoing community outreach and engagement with all communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by law enforcement. • Produce Annual Public Reports: In an effort to inform the community of the work of the Committee, public reports detailing the engagement efforts and other mandated work over the course of the year shall be produced annually at a minimum.  • Foster a Collaborative Relationship with the SRPD: In an effort to foster relationships that promote accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in its work, the Committee will prioritize effective communication and collaboration with SRPD. • Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force Investigations: SRPD shall provide to the Committee updates and access to the body worn camera footage for review, to the extent legally permitted, of all officer-involved shootings or other use of force investigations. The Committee will Inform the public of the status of the investigations in a timely manner to the extent legally permitted.  • Subpoena Authority: The Committee may compel the production of information, documentation, and testimony by issuing subpoenas when deemed necessary to the Committee’s oversight function. • Advise the City Council, the City Manager, the Committee members, and the Police Department on matters associated with the following: 1. Improve the feeling of safety and security; 2. Increase cultural competencies, empathy, and customer service skills; 3. Build trust and improve relationships with the community; 4. Increase diversity of the police department workforce; and 5. Improve transparency, communication, and accountability. • Inform themselves on matters affecting the functions and duties of the Police Department and to that end, will participate in training as recommended by the City Council, the City Manager, or the Police Chief or the Committee members. • Promote public interest and understanding of police operations, policy, priorities and community relations. Promote SRDD understanding of the priorities and requests of community members. The Committee shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions, findings, and determinations, which records shall be a public record. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP Section 2.1. Number of Members. The Committee shall consist of a total of seven (7) nine (9) regular voting members, one each from District 1,2,3,4 at least one (1) shall be a youth member age 17-26, at least one (1) shall have been incarcerated or experienced a negative interaction with law enforcement; one (1) law enforcement officer who has not worked as a sworn law enforcement officer within the last four (4) within the nine (9) Bay Area counties, and has certified that has never engaged in serious misconduct and/or been decertified per SB 2; two (2) At-large members; and two (2) alternates. Section 2.2. Eligibility. The seven (7) nine (9) voting Committee members, and any alternate, must be City of San Rafael residents who are at least 18 years old (except for one youth member between the ages of 17-26). Section 2.3. Term Limits. Members of the Committee shall be limited to two (2) consecutive four-year terms. Additional terms may be served if there is a break between terms. Section 2.4. Absence and Removal. An unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive Committee meetings without notification to the Staff Liaison, or six absences (whether excused or unexcused) in any term shall be considered a voluntary resignation from the Committee. Previously dismissed Committee members may be eligible for reappointment to the Committee. Vacancies of a designated member shall be filled by an alternate until that seat has been appointed. Section 2.5. Compensation. Committee members shall be entitled to $50 a month stipend. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS Section 3.1. Time and date of Regular Meeting. Notification of meeting place, date, and time shall be rendered to the public through posting on the City of San Rafael website. The Committee shall meet every month, on a consistent day of the month, and shall be scheduled annually. Meetings may be cancelled as needed. The schedule for the upcoming year will be set by December of the previous year. ARTICLE IV. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS Section 4.1. Amendment. Any member may propose amendments to these bylaws. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the City staff for placing the proposal on the agenda for the next regular meeting, and presenting a recommendation to the members at that meeting. These bylaws shall be amended only with the concurrence of the majority of the members present and voting. Section 4.2. Effective Date. Amendments shall become effective immediately upon their adoption by City Council. ARTICLE V. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES All meetings shall be conducted according to the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR). POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE BYLAWS ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, hereinafter referred to as the “Committee.” Section 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to provide input to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedures, including those related to community relations, hiring, and training best practices. In addition to improving transparency and accountability, the Committee will build points of collaboration between the San Rafael Police Department and the community. Additionally, the Committee will review data and policies and facilitate authentic community engagement. Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Committee’s authority is advisory only. The Committee has no power to act on behalf of the City of San Rafael or any other entity. The Committee does not have power or authority to investigate, review or participate in specific police personnel matters or specific police-related incidents, receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the San Rafael Police Department, or play any role in civil or criminal litigation. It shall be the function and duty of the Committee to: • Act as a sounding board for the Community, City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback to proposed police programs and priorities. • Make recommendations to the City Council regarding police policy, procedures, hiring practices, training, and best practices. • Request data related to SRPD operations, which shall be presented and accessible during public meetings of the Committee to the extent permitted by law. • Conduct ongoing community outreach and engagement efforts with all communities. • Public reports detailing the engagement efforts and other work of the committee over the course of the year shall be produced annually at a minimum and presented at a City Council meeting to inform the community of the work of the Committee. • In an effort to foster relationships that promote accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in its work, the Committee will prioritize effective communication and collaboration with SRPD. • Advise the City Council, the City Manager, the Committee members, and the Police Department on matters associated with the following: 1. Improve the feeling of safety and security. 2. Increase cultural competencies, empathy, and customer service skills. 3. Build trust and improve relationships with the community. 4. Increase diversity of the police department workforce. 5. Improve transparency, communication, and accountability. • Inform themselves on matters affecting the functions and duties of the Police Department and to that end, will participate in training as recommended by the City Council, the City Manager, or the Police Chief or the Committee members. • Promote community interest and understanding of police operations, policy, priorities and community relations. • Promote SRPD understanding of the priorities and requests of community members. • The Committee shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions, findings, and determinations, which records shall be a public record. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP Section 2.1. Number of Members. The Committee shall consist of a total of seven (7) regular voting members, at least one (1) shall be a youth member between the ages of 17-26, and two (2) alternates. Section 2.2. Eligibility. The seven (7) voting Committee members, and any alternate, must be City of San Rafael residents who are at least 18 years old (except for one youth member between the ages of 17-26). Section 2.3. Term Limits. Members of the Committee shall be limited to two (2) consecutive four-year terms. Additional terms may be served if there is a break between terms. Section 2.4. Absence and Removal. An unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive Committee meetings without notification to the Staff Liaison, or six absences (whether excused or unexcused) in any term shall be considered a voluntary resignation from the Committee. Previously dismissed Committee members may be eligible for reappointment to the Committee. Section 2.5. Compensation. Committee members shall be entitled to $50 a month stipend. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS Section 3.1. Time and date of Regular Meeting. Notification of meeting place, date, and time shall be rendered to the public through posting on the City of San Rafael website. The Committee shall meet every month, on a consistent day of the month, and shall be scheduled annually. Meetings may be cancelled as needed. The regular meeting schedule for the upcoming year will be set by December of the previous year.