Deputy Chief Rick Martinez announced today the reformation of the Chief’s Advisory Committee. The panel provides a forum for discussion and presents the Chief with a diverse spectrum of viewpoints represented by our community members. The Chief’s Advisory Committee further creates an avenue for greater understanding between police and community and promotes public input into the Department’s policies, strategies, and priorities.
The Santa Cruz Police Chief’s Advisory Committee consists of local leaders in the field of homelessness, mental health, education, faith, social justice, as well as neighborhood, business and community leaders. The Committee will address the most pressing issues facing the Santa Cruz Police Department, specifically around Department policies and accountability, and provide critical feedback to the Department and Chief Kevin Vogel on these issues. The discussions allow the Department to engage and collaborate with the community in a comprehensive manner with goals of increasing public safety, confidence and trust.
“We are fortunate to work with such a diverse and qualified group of people to review imminent policies such as body cameras,” said Deputy Chief Martinez. “The relaunch of the Chief’s Advisory Committee gives community members a greater voice and most importantly builds public trust. The input shared will assist the Department in refining our community policing concepts, and improve public awareness about future Department initiatives.”
The panel, chaired by Deputy Chief Martinez, will meet monthly starting in April. Positions on the Chief’s Advisory Committee are voluntary and unpaid.
The Chief’s Advisory Committee includes the following members: • Robert Orizzi- Santa Cruz Neighbors • Analicia Cube- Take Back Santa Cruz • Sarah Durant-Smith – Resource Center for Nonviolence • Steve Pleich- American Civil Liberties Union/Mental Health Client Action Network • Brent Adams- Warming Center • Brenda Griffin- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People • Celeste Faraola-Perie- Downtown Business Owner • William Ow- Business Owner/Developer • Mark Hodges- Santa Cruz County Office of Education • Nane Alejandrez- Barrios Unidos • Phil Kramer- Homeless Services Center • Beverly Brook-Peace United Church of Christ • Sharon Papo-Santa Cruz Diversity Center • Sheryl Lee- National Alliance on Mental Illness • JD Sotelo-Neighbors of Lower Ocean
The Santa Cruz Police Department has 94 sworn officers and 29 civilian staff to protect and serve Santa Cruz’s 64,000 residents and millions of annual visitors. Learn more at www.santacruzpolice.com, http://santacruzpolice.blogspot.com, or via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Mug: Kevin Vogel