Sonoma State University

President's Advisory Council on Campus Police and Safety

Purpose

The purpose of the President's Advisory Council on Campus Police and Safety is to be a link between the community and Sonoma State Police Department. It is a mechanism to facilitate and enhance communication and relationships between the police department and the community.

The Advisory Council will make recommendations to the President and the Chief of Police in areas that comprise significant community safety quality of life program review, and community outreach in ways that will create an environment that is most conducive to the intellectual, cultural, and personal development of the University community.

Appointment of Council Members

Council members will be appointed by the President in consultation with the Vice President of Administration and Finance. The council should be composed of a diverse group of individuals that represent stakeholders within the University and greater Sonoma County community. Council members should have a vested interest in improving police and community relationships, public safety, and are committed to the success of the police department and its members.

At a minimum, the Council will be comprised of members that represent the following:

  • Chair or Co-Chairs as appointment by the President
  • Vice President for Administration and Finance
  • Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Chief of Police
  • Academic Senate Chair or designee
  • Staff Council Chair or designee
  • Associated Students President or designee
  • Associate Vice President for Information Technology
  • Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Strategic Communications
  • Associate Vice President of Facility Services, Operations and Planning
  • Dean of Students
  • Title IX Officer and Senior Director for the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination
  • Other campus or community members as selected by the President

Appointment Process

Annually the Advisory Council Chair or co-Chairs will review the membership of the Council and make recommendations to the President. The President will appointment members.

Terms of Advisory Council Members

Advisory Council members will serve no longer than two consecutive years unless approved by the President. Should a member discontinue their affiliation with the organization they represent, their membership on the Advisory Council will automatically expire and an organization’s leadership will be contacted to appoint another representative.

Duties of Council Members

Provide greater accessibility, communication, and transparency to the campus community and the general public by presenting and reviewing information, data, and promoting dialogue through public meetings, listening sessions, and social media opportunities to discuss experiences of community safety and community-centered approaches to improving and maintaining community safety. The Advisory Council does not serve as a police review or accountability council and does not formally review specific police personnel matters. In accordance with CSU system policy and applicable laws, complaints involving police officers may be investigated by the Chief of Police or designee, outside investigators, appropriate campus authorities, or a combination of the above, depending on the misconduct alleged.

Organization

The council is an advisory body to the President. Staffing and clerical support for the council will be assigned by the Vice President of Administration and Finance.