Santa Monica Opens Applications for New Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission
February 11, 2021 2:34 PM
The City of Santa Monica welcomes applications for community members to serve on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission, Santa Monica’s first civilian oversight body for its police department. The City is seeking candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply now through April 6, 2021.
The new Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission will be made up of 11 members appointed by the City Council. Members will serve staggered terms of up to 4 years and will participate in regular (at least monthly) meetings. Members must be Santa Monica residents with a significant commitment to the public safety and wellbeing of the City and its community members, and must have knowledge of or experience with law enforcement, public safety policies and issues, or social services policies and issues. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 22 are encouraged to apply, as at least two Commissioners will be in this age group. City employees are not eligible to serve on the Commission.
The key duties of the Commission are:
- Review and make recommendations regarding SMPD policies and practices;
- Receive information relating to any violations of procedures or policies in connection with disciplinary investigations, proceedings, and actions, and make recommendations regarding any such violations;
- Collaborate with the SMPD to sponsor and promote ongoing interaction and trust building between the SMPD and community members; and
- Within 150 days of the Commission’s first official meeting, prepare and present an initial set of recommendations regarding proposed reforms for handling complaints regarding SMPD conduct, including proposed reforms for the intake, review, and investigation of complaints and the oversight of disciplinary decisions and policies.
Individuals interested in serving on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission should complete the online application no later than March 18, 2021. The City Council will review applications and select members during a City Council meeting in spring.
To learn more and apply, visit www.santamonica.gov/public-safety-reform-and-oversight-commission. For more information about the approval of the Commission, see the press release from January 13.
###
Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov
Departments
More Information
https://www.smgov.net/departments/clerk/boards.aspx?id=53687108924