Applicable To: Zone commanders

Approval Authority:  Deputy E. N. Finley, Jr.

Signature:  Signed by ENF

Date Signed:  8/16/2010

1.               PURPOSE

The intent of this directive is to further the goal of the implementation of the philosophy of community policing.

2.               POLICY

It shall be the policy of the Atlanta Police Department’s Field Operations Division to utilize all methods and strategies in an effort to forge sound and harmonious relationships with the citizens of Atlanta in an effort to reduce crime.

3.               RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1              Zone commanders are responsible for the establishment of citizen advisory councils within their respective areas of responsibility.

4.               ACTION

4.1              Membership

4.1.1           Each zone will have a citizen’s advisory council.  The zone commander will select members from the community so as to be representative of the community.  Each NPU and major business group in the zone should be represented.  The membership should reflect the demographic makeup of the zone.

4.1.2           The council is to have at least five members.  If it is necessary to have multiple councils due to the size of the zone, the commander should organize them according to NPU boundaries to keep the councils focused on community issues.

4.2              Term of Office

4.2.1           The term of office for each council member shall be two years.  In the first year of office, half of the members will be appointed to one-year terms; thereafter, their successors will be appointed to two-year terms.

4.2.2           As a general rule, members shall not succeed themselves.  When it is necessary to appoint a member to a second consecutive term, the zone commander will explain the reason in a memorandum to the Division Commander. 

4.3              Meetings

4.3.1           The zone commander will meet with each citizen advisory council at least once per quarter.  The commander will notify the council members and the Division commander of the date, time, and place of the meeting at least two weeks in advance.

4.3.2           The zone commander is encouraged to request the participation of other divisions, sections, or units when issues under their purview may be discussed.

4.3.3           The purpose of the meetings is to discuss issues relevant to the delivery of police service delivery.  It will involve citizens directly in municipal problem solving and multi-agency involvement.  Optimally, this program will develop plans to address both long and short-term issues important to the respective communities.

5.               DEFINITIONS

                  N/A

6.               CANCELLATIONS

                  APD.CM.07.05

7.               REFERENCES

                  Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, standard 54.2.10.

                  APD.SOP.4030 “Citizens Advisory Councils”