Fayetteville Today

City of Fayetteville issued the following announcement on Oct. 2. 

Applications are available for the City of Fayetteville Community Police Advisory Board. The Fayetteville City Council established the Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) in August. The Council approved the charter for the CPAB on August 23. CPAB members will review and recommend ways to improve Police Department Practices and Policies. The Board will advise the City Council, Police Chief and City Manager. City Council Members will appoint nine members and one alternate member to serve on the Board. Board members will meet monthly.

“The establishment of the Police Advisory Board is a major step in reforming policing and rebuilding the bridge of trust between the police and the community they serve,” Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “This is a partnership and the Advisory Board is a key component to its success.”

“I am excited about the Community Police Advisory Board getting started and look forward to bringing them behind the scenes to see how the Department operates,” Police Chief Gina V. Hawkins said. “I also look forward to sharing our procedures and policies with them and listening to recommendations on how we can become a better Department for our community.”

The CPAB application, explanation of the application process, frequently asked questions and the CPAB charter are posted online. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. October 20, 2021. After the deadline, the Fayetteville City Council Appointment Committee will discuss submitted applications. Then, the Appointment Committee will submit recommendations to the full City Council. The Council will host a special meeting(s) to interview CPAB candidates.  The special meeting(s) will be accessible to the public via Zoom. The Clerk’s Office will send a public notification prior to the meeting(s). After those steps are complete, the Council will appoint members to serve on the CPAB.

Eligibility requirements for Board Membership are included in the CPAB Charter. Members must be at least age 18 or older and reside within the City Limits for the last six months prior to application. Board Members must complete the Police Department’s Citizens Academy, one ride along and can request additional training. 

The CPAB is one effort to build bridges between residents and Officers and shape policies. There are multiple ways to connect with Fayetteville Police Officers throughout the year. Community Policing services, events and programs are listed here.

 Original source can be found here.