Police Advisory and Accountability Committee bylaws

Article I. Name and purpose

Section 1.1. Name. The name of this body shall be the City of San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, hereinafter referred to as the “Committee.”

Section 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to provide input to improve public transparency and accountability with respect to the San Rafael Police Department and provide greater community participation in making recommendations on police department policies, practices, and procedures, including those related to community relations, hiring, and training best practices.

In addition to improving transparency and accountability, the Committee will build points of collaboration between the San Rafael Police Department and the community. Additionally, the Committee will review data and policies and facilitate authentic community engagement.

Section 1.3. Committee Responsibility. The Committee’s authority is advisory only. The Committee has no power to act on behalf of the City of San Rafael or any other entity. The Committee does not have power or authority to investigate, review or participate in specific police personnel matters or specific police-related incidents, receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the San Rafael Police Department, or play any role in civil or criminal litigation.

It shall be the function and duty of the Committee to:

  • Act as a sounding board for the Community, City Council, the City Manager, and the Police Department regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback to proposed police programs and priorities.
  • Make recommendations to the City Council regarding police policy, procedures, hiring practices, training, and best practices.
  • Request data related to SRPD operations, which shall be presented and accessible during public meetings of the Committee to the extent permitted by law.
  • Conduct ongoing community outreach and engagement efforts with all communities.
  • Public reports detailing the engagement efforts and other work of the committee over the course of the year shall be produced annually at a
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee Bylaws Page 1 of 3