Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee

June 23, 2020 7:16 PM
by Lisa Parson

The City of Santa Monica has long been committed to fair, safe, and effective community policing.  In recent weeks, millions of Americans have marched in the streets to condemn the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and far too many others and to demand action to end systemic racism within law enforcement in our country.  In response to these cries for reform, the City of Santa Monica is committed to reviewing its City policies to ensure that public safety in Santa Monica employs best practices to recognize the humanity and dignity of every person.  As the City engages in review of its policies, the Interim City Manager seeks individuals to join a Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee to advise the Interim City Manager on proposals for reform.  The City will also facilitate multiple opportunities for broader community input on these important topics.

Qualifications for the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee

The Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee will comprise individuals who are residents of or have a close working knowledge of the City of Santa Monica and who are committed to ensuring that the City follows best practices for creating a community in which all feel and are safe.  Advisory Committee members should bring relevant knowledge and expertise as residents, advocates for racial justice and/or public safety reform, business owners, law enforcement officers or experts, mental health providers or experts, and/or social services providers or experts. 

Purpose of the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee

Working together with City staff, the members of the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee will first facilitate a community input process and review local, regional, and national proposals advocating for changes to policing and the ways that cities conceive of and allocate funds to achieve public safety.  Following this information gathering process, the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the Interim City Manager regarding (1) reforms to Santa Monica Police Department use of force policies to ensure best practices for policies, training, and application of force are followed, and (2) changes that should be made to the City’s budget, informed by calls for divest / invest strategies, to better achieve public safety and wellbeing for all in our community.   

Process for Appointment

Individuals interested in serving on the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee should complete this online application no later than Monday, June 29, 2020. The application asks for information regarding the following:

• Interest in serving on the Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee
• Relevant qualifications and experience
• Availability to attend up to six meetings over the next 90 days

The Interim City Manager will review applications and select members based on their qualifications.  The final list of appointees will be posted on santamonica.gov. 

Apply to join

Authored By

Lisa Parson
Project Manager