Chief’s Advisory Committee (CAC)

The Chief’s Advisory Committee (CAC) is established under the direction of the Chief of Police. The Committee is created to act as a resource for the Chief in the formation of strategies, development of community policing concepts and increasing public awareness. The committee is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community issues and the goal is to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented.

Mission and Purpose of the CAC

The Morro Bay Police Department is committed to community policing. To that end, the mission of the CAC is to act as a resource for the Chief of Police in the formation of strategies, development of policing concepts, and increasing public awareness regarding policy issues. The CAC acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the creativity and vision of its members; it is intended to be an expression of the Morro Bay community’s viewpoints.

To carry out its purpose, the committee will address overcoming concerns associated with police-community relations, the improvement of the Morro Bay Police Department’s operations, and public safety issues in order to further enhance the quality of life in our community. The CAC will act as a sounding committee for the Chief regarding community needs and concerns, keep the Chief apprised of the community’s need for police services, and assist in educating the community at large about the function and role of the Morro Bay Police Department.

Although the CAC is expected to be proactive, it will not have power or authority to investigate, review or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police-related incidents. It will not receive, or review complaints initiated against personnel of the Morro Bay Police Department, nor play any role in civil or criminal litigation. The CAC acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the creativity and vision of its members; it is intended to be an expression of the Morro Bay community’s viewpoints.

The CAC will meet quarterly at the Morro Bay Police Department at 6 P.M. It is expected that each committee member will contribute and provide input on the topics the committee and Chief of Police deem appropriate and timely.

Composition of the CAC

The committee will consist of 5-7 key stakeholders, comprised of a diverse cross-section of active community members throughout the City of Morro Bay. These members will represent a range of interests and experience, which may include business owners, educational leaders, non-profits, public relations, faith community, youth representation, and more.

Members must be Morro Bay residents or business owners and are selected from the pool of applicants by a committee of the Chief of Police and other City Leaders. Members are chosen to serve on the committee for their professionalism, integrity and commitment to their community. The term for committee members is limited to two years to allow for greater participation by all interested parties. Extensions for sitting on the committee will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

Members may be removed for cause prior to the end of their term by a majority vote of the committee or at the discretion of the Chief of Police. Additionally, members who fail to attend three regular committee meetings in a year may be considered to have vacated their position and may be replaced.

Members of the CAC acknowledge that service is strictly on a volunteer basis and members will not receive any form of compensation. In addition, all members will be subject to a criminal history background investigation prior to appointment to the CAC.

Committee Expectations

• Members of the CAC are expected to attend the scheduled meetings and be prepared to engage in an honest and productive dialogue.
• Members of the CAC are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, adhering to a code of civil conduct.
• Members of the CAC are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information that is designated as confidential and discussed and/or disclosed during the meetings.
• CAC members are not to utilize the meetings to facilitate personal agendas.
• Members of the CAC will be encouraged to attend and participate in major police events (such as swearing-in and promotion ceremonies).
• CAC members are encouraged to attend the Morro Bay Police Citizen’s Academy to familiarize themselves with Department policies and operations.

Staff Support

Staff support to the CAC is provided through the Office of the Chief of Police. The Chief will serve as the liaison to the CAC and a staff member from the Office of the Chief of Police will act as the recording secretary. A member or members of the MBPD senior staff may also be included in the CAC meetings as necessary or requested. Support staff will:

• Record the proceedings of meetings of the CAC (i.e. minutes)
• Disseminate information, including meeting agendas, minutes of meetings, etc. to members of the CAC
• Maintain all records related to the CAC

https://www.morrobayca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13158/Chief-Advisory-Committee-Application