Olds & District

Police Advisory Committee

(PAC)

Roles & Responsibilities

Overview

Lesley Kelly Manager, Policing Oversight & Funding Programs

Law Enforcement and Oversight Branch Justice & Solicitor General

March 22, 2016

Solicitor General

Department

Public Security

Division

• Law Enforcement and Oversight

• Enforcement Services (Peace Officers)

• Sheriff Security Operations

• Victim Services

Ministry of Justice and

Solicitor General

Police Advisory Committee (PAC)

PACs are not legislated; their

responsibilities are determined by the

town/municipality in consultation with

the local RCMP detachment

commander.

PACs are established through

municipal resolution or bylaw.

Benefits of a Police Advisory

Committee

Benefits

Meaningful participation in delivery of policing

services to your community, removes perception of

political interference.

Focused and accountable, increased transparency

and public trust in policing.

Community representation and consultation,

responding to citizen’s needs.

A fully operational and trained committee SHOULD

reduce administrative burden on detachment

commanders and Council; for obtaining community

input into policing.

Role of Town Council

Provide guidance and oversight of the police

advisory committee.

Set rules and a reporting framework through a

Terms of Reference and Resolution or Bylaw.

Provide direction and support in the development of

the yearly plan of priorities and strategies for

policing.

Members of a PAC

Between 5 - 8 voting committee members appointed by council as approved by Detachment Commander

Representatives from social service providers:

– Victim Services;

– Municipal Enforcement Services;

– Family and Community Supports;

– Community / Volunteer Groups (schools, youth centre);

– Crime Prevention Organizations (citizens on patrol);

– Business Association;

Community members at large who reside in the town (Diversity: senior, youth, ethnic minority)

Members of a PAC - continued

1 councilor as liaison back to Town and Council

Detachment Commander and Town staff. attends in an advisory, non-voting capacity.

A specified term, may not be necessary.

Requires Town Administration support (use of office resources, filing, preparing agenda and minutes, etc.)

Small funds required for the administration of the PAC from within existing budget (i.e. protective services or CAO)

Role of the PAC

Represent community interests and concerns;

Assist in identifying local policing issues or

emerging crime trends;

Provide community feedback to the detachment

commander on policing and public safety matters;

Assist the detachment commander in prioritizing

policing strategies and activities;

Assist in community outreach / crime prevention

activities as appropriate; and

Be known in the community for citizens to approach

to provide information and/or concerns around

policing and public safety.

Role of the Detachment Commander

with PAC

Is the liaison between PAC and local detachment.

Listens, strategize and collaborates with PAC on

policing priorities and public safety matters/concerns.

Provides updates on policing priorities and public

safety, and any HR/staffing issues.

Facilitates the participation of PAC members to

become involved in community outreach / crime

prevention programs.

Works with PAC to develop strong relationships with

other service agencies / community groups to develop

joint action plans to address community issues.

Council

The Community/Public

Detachment Commander

The Committee

Committee Inputs

Policing Priorities Concerns

Expectations Compliments

Concerns Compliments

Resources

Performance Plans

Crime Stats /Trends

Policing Priorities

The Committee

Detachment Commander

The Community/Public

Council

Policing Priorities Support

RCMP Annual Performance Plan

Committee Outputs

Education Advice

Policing Priorities

Board Member Roles

Board Member Roles

Board Member Roles

PAC Duties

Attend and be prepared for meetings.

Chair ensures meeting minutes are recorded.

Members provide updates from their area of work

(victim services for example).

Bring issues, concerns and compliments to the

attention of the detachment commander.

Volunteer for activities (as appropriate) stated in

the yearly policing plan.

Suggest and welcome community groups and

organizations to present to PAC on the work they

perform in the community.

Police Advisory Committee

• General Assistance to the public, with awareness of

the PAC and its role.

• Inquiries and Service Delivery questions/concerns.

• Communication back to the community on policing

matters raised.

• Awareness of RCMP structure, policies and

procedures.

• Municipal Protective Services role and responsibilities.

• Research (Other jurisdictions).

Possible Areas of Focus

Next Steps for

Police Advisory Committee (PAC)

Next Steps - Council

Creation of Municipal Resolution or Bylaw – Assistance from JSG (samples/templates)

Choose and appoint candidates – Conduct Security Clearance Checks

– Develop a Confidentiality Agreement

Schedule PAC Orientation Training – Training provided by JSG

Allocation of Resources and office space – Office and administrative support

– Committee meeting space

First Steps – PAC

Read and sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Policy.

Select the Chair and Vice Chair.

Identify the yearly PAC meeting schedule and meeting location.

Attend Orientation Training provided by JSG.

Questions or

Comments?

Contact Information

Lesley Kelly

Manager, Policing Oversight & Funding Programs Law Enforcement and Oversight Branch

Justice & Solicitor General

780-415-8333 Lesley.kelly@gov.ab.ca