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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOPCAB BylawsCommunity Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board Bylaws The Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board, known as COPCAB, was created by the Tukwila City Council when Tukwila Municipal Code 2.39 was enacted. These bylaws may not conflict with TMC 2.39. The duties of the Board shall include, but not be limited to, advising and making recommendations via the Chief of Police on issues concerning public safety and police services within the City, such as: 1. To enhance police -community relations; 2. To review and provide a community perspective and recommendations concerning procedures, programs, and the effectiveness of the police service; 3. To promote public awareness of the City's police services and programs including, but not limited to, business and residential crime prevention programs, safety training, domestic violence intervention, and D.A.R.E.; 4. To hold public meetings from time to time to solicit public input regarding police services and programs; 5. To serve as a liaison between the Police Department and the community; 6. To encourage individuals and community groups to assist the Police Department in the implementation of police programs and services; and 7. To review and make recommendations concerning such other and further matters as may be referred to the Board, from time to time, by the Mayor, the City Council, or the Chief of Police. 8. Recognize members of the Tukwila Police Department and/or a Community Member(s) for outstanding service in connecting the Police Department with the Community. This is done on an annual basis when the committee reports to the City Council. The Board shall make an annual report to the Mayor and City Council regarding its activities. Notwithstanding the duties of the Board as described within TMC 2.39.050A, the Board shall have no power or authority to investigate, review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police related incidents. The Board in no way shall receive or stand in review of complaints initiated against personnel of the Police Department, nor play any role in civil or criminal litigation. Meeting times and days are determined by current members of COPCAB. A change in meeting time or day shall be agreed upon by the consensus of the members and require approval from the Chief of Police. COPCAB meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. The meeting shall adjourn at or before 8pm unless this time is extended by the majority of the members present at that meeting. The regular meeting place for COPCAB is: 6300 Southcenter Blvd, second floor in the Duwamish Conference Room. Alternate meeting places shall be with a seven day notice to members and the public when possible. For purposes of conducting the Board's business, exercising its powers and for all other purposes, a quorum of the Board shall consist of five or more members. Any action taken by a majority of those present, when those present constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of the Board, shall be deemed and taken as the action and decision of the Board. The Board shall tape record or keep minutes of all meetings held and all business transacted. All records of the Board shall be open for public inspection, except those that may be exempt from public disclosure under State law. Minutes shall be distributed to the Tukwila City Clerk for posting to the City of Tukwila Digital Records Center. One member of COPCAB shall be elected as the Chairperson. A new Chair shall be selected every three years. The same person may be selected as chair for consecutive terms. The Chairperson shall: • Conduct all meetings • Ensure all agenda items are discussed • Solicit input from all members about issues before the board • Set a positive tone for the group One member of COPCAB shall be elected as the vice -Chair to act as the Chair in the absence of the elected Chairperson. Decision making for COPCAB shall be by the consensus of the group. If the group is deadlocked and unable to reach a consensus after an ample time for discussion and/or research, then a majority vote shall prevail. COPCAB members are expected to make meeting attendance a priority and attend either in person or by conference call, if temporarily not physically in the area. Members who cannot attend a meeting are expected to notify either the staff liaison or Chairperson as soon as he/she is aware there is a meeting conflict. If a member misses three or more consecutive meetings without following the above notification procedures, the Chief of Police or designee will notify the Mayor's Office. Only the Mayor of Tukwila has the authority to remove appointed members. The Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) requires the minutes of all regular meetings to be recorded and made available for public inspection. The law also requires that agencies maintain records of business conducted and produce these records upon receipt of a public records request. Board and Commission members are subject to the Public Records Act, which means that all documents used or created by members in the course of their work as a Board or Commission members, are subject to Washington State records retention laws and disclosure under the Public Records Act. This includes email communications sent and received via a private email account, as well as any notes taken by members in the course of their work as Board or Commission members. Board and Commission members should promptly turn over any relevant documents when requested by the City pursuant to a public records request. Washington's ethics laws prohibit public officials from gaining financially as a result of his or her position. Also, public officials must declare any conflicts of interest at a public meeting. A conflict exists if a recommendation potentially could affect the finances of the group member or the finances of a family member. If a conflict exists, the member must declare this fact at a meeting where the issue is being discussed and refrain from discussing or voting on the recommendation. The Washington Open Meeting Act (RCW 42.30) essentially requires three things: • notice must be provided for all meetings; • meetings must be open to the public; and • minutes must be created for each meeting. A "meeting" is defined to include not only formal gatherings of the advisory group but also any occasion where a "quorum" (usually majority) of advisory group members come together and discuss group issues or City business. Electronic or telephonic communications may constitute a meeting which is subject to the Open Public Meetings Act if a majority of members discuss information, give input or take action via e-mail or telephone. The City of Tukwila is a drug free organization and expects all employees and volunteers to report to their assignment free from drug and/or alcohol impairment. Volunteers must abide by the provisions of this policy as a condition of volunteer service. The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate in violation of law on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identification, status as an honorably discharged veteran or any other class protected by federal, state or local law. The City of Tukwila also promotes a productive work environment and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation.