BRENHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT INITIATES “CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD”
The Brenham Police Department is establishing a new resource for relations between the police and the public.
Chief Ron Parker has announced the formation of the Brenham Police Citizen Advisory Board.
Parker says the board was created to act as a community resource in such aspects as: the formation of strategies; development of community policing concepts and programs; to serve as an advisory body on certain police matters; fostering and enhancing public transparency and trust; and increasing public awareness.
Parker stresses, the CAB is not a review board of specific police actions, whether internal or external, but simply is a forum for potential discussions concerning community challenges and concerns, and in leveraging the experience of persons outside of policing to benefit and improve police/community relations.
A department press release goes on to say:
The primary focus of the CAB is to provide a forum with key stakeholders regarding law enforcement appearance, the police mission relevant to interaction with the public, community policing, and enhancing communications within the community. It is comprised of a wide cross-section of community members representative of Brenham. The imagination of all members drives the board and reflects holistic views that serve as catalysts for the integration of community viewpoints into police department planning, operations, and strategies. The membership of the board consists of citizens from throughout the community who represent a range of interests and experiences. Members are from diverse backgrounds, including businesses, education, non-profits, chamber of commerce, faith community, minorities, LGBT community, government, senior citizens, and youths.
The Brenham Police Department recognizes the importance of citizen involvement in policing as a strategy to build and improve trust between law enforcement and the public it serves. Today’s policing efforts require a true partnership between police and citizens. The mission of the Brenham Citizens’ Advisory Board is to support and share in the responsibility with the police department in protecting our community from crime and its consequences, and in fostering a trusting and respectful partnership between police and citizens. The board will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in our neighborhoods by service as a liaison between the community and the police department.
Some examples of CAB duties may include-
- CAB members may be asked for input on the generation of new ideas or solutions to challenges in the
community.
- May provide input and advice on policies and/or practices. However, the CAB is not a policy-making body.
- Provide assistance in strategic planning.
- Provide input on a specific project.
- Offer opinions on police officer appearance, (uniforms, equipment, etc.).
How does one get involved?
JJ, contact the police department and ask to speak with Chief Parker. Thank you.
So if someone wanted to serve on this board, how would they go about that?
It may have been appropriate for the city and the department to ask for volunteers and then select the board members. As the ordinary citizen may not feel comfortable with our current elected officials based on their decisions 6 months. As an ordinary citizen, The majority view our police department as performing very well. Hopefully this board will not interfere with what isn’t broken. But, there is an extreme need for law enforcement departments In numerous cities which require a complete makeover. So when local activists visibly protest, It is NOT for our local police department, it is for the thousands who have suffered brutalities for close to two hundred years throughout this country and around the world. To deny this truth is purely inhuman.
I may want to be on board, like to discuss more.
Mr. Brown, please feel free to contact me at the police department. I look forward to the conversation and thank you- Ron Parker, police chief.