The Tacoma City Council is inviting passionate residents to apply for five open positions on the Community’s Police Advisory Committee (CPAC). This committee, which includes one youth role and four At-Large positions, plays a crucial role in shaping police policies and fostering trust between the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) and the community.
CPAC serves as an advisory group to the City Council on matters related to TPD policy and practices. Its members are tasked with reviewing police policies, procedures, training, and completed investigations at the request of the City Council or City Manager. They also promote awareness of the public complaint process, foster understanding between the TPD and the community, and provide feedback and recommendations to the City Council, City Manager, and Chief of Police.
The City of Tacoma is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist organization. To reflect the diversity of Tacoma’s community, the City encourages applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, and refugees. Applicants must be residents of Tacoma, must not hold any other elective public office, and cannot be current members of the TPD or immediate family members of a TPD employee.
Appointed members are required to complete training on the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act provided by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General within 90 days of appointment. This training ensures that all committee members understand the laws governing transparency and accountability.
CPAC is composed of 11 members nominated by the Community Vitality and Safety Committee and confirmed by the City Council. Members serve three-year terms and must represent the diverse communities of Tacoma. No more than three members may be current or retired commissioned law enforcement professionals, and members are permitted to serve more than ten years.
The responsibilities of CPAC members include:
• Reviewing police policies, procedures, rules, training, completed investigations, and programs at the request of the City Council, City Manager, or Chief of Police.
• Providing advice and recommendations to the City Council, City Manager, and Chief of Police on TPD policies and practices.
• Promoting understanding and cooperation between the TPD and the community, and raising awareness of TPD services and resources.
• Encouraging awareness of the public complaint process and reviewing policy and conduct complaints submitted by the public.
• Reviewing completed internal affairs investigations to assess the effectiveness of TPD policies, training, and programs.
• Hosting community discussions on public safety issues, including policies, services, training, and procedures.
Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by September 15, 2024, through the City’s website at cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication. For questions about the application process, or to request the application in an alternate format, contact Elizabeth Wing at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5178.
