The new Citizens' (Police) Advisory Committee held an organizational meeting last Tuesday at the Senior Center. Police Chief Bill Press described its purpose: "To allow the people to have a voice in their Police Department . . . as well as other entities of City Government" (Non-police issues will be taken to the appropriate City Dept.).
Although all citizens (or business owners in the city) will be welcome to attend and voice concerns, those wanting to become actual Committee Members will have to attend at least 3 meetings--and then be accepted by the Committee (voted in).
Press: "The Committee's role is to advise us (Police)."
The meetings are to be from 6-7:15PM and the agenda to include:
1. An Officer of the Month Presentation (Selected by the Committee). Press revealed two of his Officers-- on a training trip-- recently helped rescue victims of a car accident near Evergreen Al. --and were commended by that City. [Press: "These people (police, firemen, corrections) put their lives on the line every day . . . its not an easy job . . . proud to be a part of it."]
2. A Citizen of the Month Presentation. Press: "Citizens do heroic things . . . as well."
3. A Guest Speaker. Press: "It could be the Mayor, City Administrator, Judge, someone in law enforcement . . . whoever the Committee wants to bring in."
4. Report of Previous Issues. Issues raised at the prior month's meeting-- and responses to them.
5. New Business. Any new concerns anyone in attendance has: to be investigated/addressed by the Committee (next meeting).
6. Commander's Report. Crime Update (statistics) from Chief Press: Any particular/unusual problems occurring around town. Press: "To let folks know we're having a theft problem here . . a burglary problem there. . so they can be prepared for it."
7. Remarks/Announcements
Press: "And that's pretty much the way it goes. Its going to be your (citizens') meeting. We're just here to address your concerns."
A citizen asked how large the Committee will be. Press replied there was no size limit. Press: "We will be as big or small as the need requires."
Another Citizen asked how the initial Committee Members will be selected. Press said that whoever attends the first 3 meetings will be automatically appointed (then new-members are voted in after that).
Citizen: "I commend you on doing this." "How can I set up a crime watch (in the Pt. Clear area)?" Press: "We can help you with that . . . only works if the (majority of) community backs it."
Besides Chief Press and Assistant Chief Sanders-- Captain Commalander, Officers Nolte, Sullivan, Davis were also present.
The next meeting will be held in one month's time.
Press: "Its your meeting. I'll be here." [Bill.Press@cofairhope.com]
The new Citizens' (Police) Advisory Committee held an organizational meeting last Tuesday at the Senior Center. Police Chief Bill Press described its purpose: "To allow the people to have a voice in their Police Department . . . as well as other entities of City Government" (Non-police issues will be taken to the appropriate City Dept.).
Although all citizens (or business owners in the city) will be welcome to attend and voice concerns, those wanting to become actual Committee Members will have to attend at least 3 meetings--and then be accepted by the Committee (voted in).
Press: "The Committee's role is to advise us (Police)."
The meetings are to be from 6-7:15PM and the agenda to include:
1. An Officer of the Month Presentation (Selected by the Committee). Press revealed two of his Officers-- on a training trip-- recently helped rescue victims of a car accident near Evergreen Al. --and were commended by that City. [Press: "These people (police, firemen, corrections) put their lives on the line every day . . . its not an easy job . . . proud to be a part of it."]
2. A Citizen of the Month Presentation. Press: "Citizens do heroic things . . . as well."
3. A Guest Speaker. Press: "It could be the Mayor, City Administrator, Judge, someone in law enforcement . . . whoever the Committee wants to bring in."
4. Report of Previous Issues. Issues raised at the prior month's meeting-- and responses to them.
5. New Business. Any new concerns anyone in attendance has: to be investigated/addressed by the Committee (next meeting).
6. Commander's Report. Crime Update (statistics) from Chief Press: Any particular/unusual problems occurring around town. Press: "To let folks know we're having a theft problem here . . a burglary problem there. . so they can be prepared for it."
7. Remarks/Announcements
Press: "And that's pretty much the way it goes. Its going to be your (citizens') meeting. We're just here to address your concerns."
A citizen asked how large the Committee will be. Press replied there was no size limit. Press: "We will be as big or small as the need requires."
Another Citizen asked how the initial Committee Members will be selected. Press said that whoever attends the first 3 meetings will be automatically appointed (then new-members are voted in after that).
Citizen: "I commend you on doing this." "How can I set up a crime watch (in the Pt. Clear area)?" Press: "We can help you with that . . . only works if the (majority of) community backs it."
Besides Chief Press and Assistant Chief Sanders-- Captain Commalander, Officers Nolte, Sullivan, Davis were also present.
The next meeting will be held in one month's time.
Press: "Its your meeting. I'll be here." [Bill.Press@cofairhope.com]
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