Chief's Advisory Board

2023 CHIEF JORGE ZAMORA HEADSHOT PURPOSE AND MISSION 

The Chief's Advisory Board model is being used by many police organizations across the state and has proved to be a successful tool to help the police chief understand the concerns of the community. 

The Chief's Advisory Board (CAB) is established under the direction of the Chief of Police. The Board is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community concerns, and the goal is to have a broad spectrum of community viewpoints represented. Members of the Board should be community members including, but not limited to, seniors, educators, faith-based, LGBTQ+, non-profits, and business owners. The Board will also have the opportunity to be aware and understand how the Watsonville Police Department polices problems in our community, participate in police "ride-alongs," learn how and what training is provided to officers, and how we hire police department staff.   

The Watsonville Police Department is committed to the ideology of community policing. To that end, the mission of the Chief's Advisory Board is to act as a resource for the Chief of Police in the formation of strategies, development of policing concepts, and increasing public awareness regarding policy issues. The Board acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the creativity and vision of its members; it is intended to be an expression of the Watsonville community's viewpoints. To carry out its purpose, the Board will address overcoming problems associated with police-community relations, the improvement of the Watsonville Police Department's operations, and public safety issues to further enhance the quality of life in our community.  

The group will act as a sounding board for the Chief of Police regarding community needs and concerns, keep the Chief apprised of the community's need for police services, and assist in educating the community at large about the function and role of the Watsonville Police Department. Commitment to the Board does not mean that the group will have the power or authority to investigate, review or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police-related incidents. It will not receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the Watsonville Police Department nor play any role in civil or criminal litigation.  

The Board will also focus on contemporary challenges, which include the following examples: 

• Use of Force • Mental Health Response  • Criminal Activity and Trends • Transparency • Homelessness 

• Technology • Community Outreach and Engagement • Crime Prevention  • Neighborhood Programs.   

Download application HERE


SCOPE AND ROLE  

The following guidelines and expectations shall govern the scope and role of the Chief's Advisory Board: 

a. It is desired that CAB members participate in open discussions with each other and the WPD staff regarding local community concerns and priorities on public safety issues.  

b. CAB members are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect. 

c. CAB will collectively represent the voice of the community. As such, it is expected that CAB members participate in the Panel in furtherance of the greater good for the Watsonville community and refrain from promoting personal agendas or motives. 

CONDUCT OF MEETINGS 

a. Regular meetings shall be held every other month and shall be set by the Chief of Police in collaboration with CAB members. The Chief of Police may schedule additional meetings as determined necessary.  

b. Unless otherwise noted, regular meetings will be held at the Watsonville Police Department. Meetings may also be held at other locations within the community if determined feasible and appropriate at the discretion of the Chief and the CAB. 

c. Regular attendance at the CAB meetings is mandatory.  CAB members must have no more than three (3) absences in twelve months.  Failure to maintain regular attendance may result in removal from the CAB. 

d. Police Department staff will be responsible for providing adequate staff support for board meetings, including setting an appropriate agenda and providing necessary supporting materials for each meeting as approved by the Chief of Police.  

e. CAB discussions should be focused, timely, and within the parameters of the meeting agenda to ensure board meetings remain efficient and effective. The purpose of the agenda is to provide structure and focus for panel discussions. 

COMPOSITION OF THE CHIEF'S ADVISORY BOARD 

a. The total number of members of the Board shall be 8 persons.  However, the Chief of Police shall have the discretion to hold Board meetings with fewer members. 

b. Members shall not receive compensation for their service on the Board, and participation is voluntary. 

c. It is desired that Members be representative of a diverse community within the City of Watsonville.   

CHIEF'S ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER TERMS 

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, and in consultation with the CAB members, a member may be removed/excused from participation for the remainder of their term for the following reasons: excessive absences at Board meetings; repeated instances of substantial disruption that impedes the proceedings of CAB meetings; or continued refusal to participate or contribute at meetings. Upon any such vacancy, the Chief may, but is not required to, appoint a new Board member to serve out the remainder of the term. 

CHIEF'S ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SELECTION PROCESS 

a. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements: 
     1. Minimum of 18 years of age; 
     2. A current resident or business owner in the City of Watsonville; 
     3. Submit a completed application to the Watsonville Police Department. 

b. In addition to the above eligibility requirements, ideal candidates will have demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the Watsonville community.  Applicants are encouraged to explain their interest in serving on the Board and any possible relevant community memberships or qualifications on their application to ensure the Chief appoints the broadest possible group of diverse and committed community members to serve on the CAB. 

c. Applications shall be accessible online or upon request at the front counter of the Watsonville Police Department. Completed applications can be hand-delivered, emailed to police@watsonville.gov, or mailed to the attention of the Chief of Police at the Watsonville Police Department located at 215 Union Street, Watsonville, CA 95076. 

Download application HERE