Chief of Police Citizen Advisory Panel (COPCAP)

The Chief of Police Citizen Advisory Panel (COPCAP) is a volunteer group designed to facilitate communication between the Police Department and members of the Community.  The goal of the Citizen Advisory Panel and the Police Department is to enhance the concept of Community Oriented Policing through Police/Citizen partnerships. The panel meets on a monthly basis at the Police Department to discuss contemporary issues between the Police Department and the Community.  During these meetings, the Panel may make recommendations to the Chief of Police regarding issues of common interest and may act as a sounding board for Department policies and procedures.

The panel is currently comprised of seven (7) members of the Community that includes one member from each of the City’s six geographic areas (Police Patrol beats) and one member-at-large representing the business community.  Current members include: Renee Anderson; Daniel Canas; Jessie Carrera; Carolyn Hyatt; Louise Stein; Charlotte Walker; and, Janet Wilson.  These members may serve for a period of two years or less at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

The members of the current panel were selected in August 2001, and received orientation training of the Police Department’s roles and responsibilities to the Community the following month.  Beginning in September, the panel began meeting regularly, and during the short time of its existence, the panel has discussed such issues as:  the Police Department’s Organizational structure; the Police Department’s policy regarding Racial Profiling; Crime statistics within the City; gang activity; and, the Community’s perception of the Police Department.

This group is envisioned to grow in the future which will enhance communications with the Community even more.  Members of the Community that are interested in participating on the Panel are encouraged to contact the Police Department to receive an application form.  As openings become available, individuals with applications on file will be contacted by the Chief of Police for consideration.