It’s all about giving the Auburn community a chance to make recommendations to its police department about community policing issues.<\/p>\n
And now that the Auburn Police Department has formed its Police Advisory Committee, it is looking for residents who would like to act in an advisory role to the APD.<\/p>\n
In this role, the city said in a release, residents will represent the people of Auburn as active partners with the APD to develop policies and strategies for the implementation of stronger, more effective and more equitable community policing.<\/p>\n
One important initiative will be to review police operations, significant criminal investigations and internal affairs investigations after they are completed — and consistent with Washington state law, provide comment and advice to the police chief.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to the many opportunities the PAC will bring for our police department and residents to work together to strengthen our city,” said Auburn Police Chief Dan O’Neil. “The work of this group will help to ensure that our community is playing an active role in reviewing and understanding the work of our officers in a way that allows for the strong communication, trust and respect that is critical for our success.”<\/p>\n
“I am hopeful that the PAC will be able to provide an opportunity for healing and relationship building within our community,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “Chief (Dan) O’Neil had the vision for this when he was first appointed as the interim chief, and seeing it come to fruition is encouraging. We know there is much work to be done, and this is an important first step on that journey.”<\/p>\n
The committee will meet monthly for about two hours in the evening at first, and then adjust its schedule as needed once it has set a foundation. Members must attend a minimum of one training day per year and commit to at least two years.<\/p>\n
The police department looks to to fill several positions. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2020, and the first meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21.<\/p>\n