Overview
The Arlington Civilian Police Advisory Commission (ACPAC) has recently been established. The Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is one of the Town bodies which will put forward a nominee who will serve on the inaugural ACPAC alongside eight other members.
As such, the AHRC is seeking applicants for nomination.
Background
The purpose of the Arlington Civilian Police Advisory Commission is to provide an opportunity for increased understanding and trust between the community and the Arlington Police Department, assist members of the public as a resource in the event they have complaints, concerns, or commendations about policing in Arlington or specific police personnel, and to provide the Arlington Police Department and Town management with a public forum for feedback about police personnel, policies, procedures, and data. (ART. 8, Section 2; ATM – 04/25/22)
Responsibilities of the ACPAC include, but are not limited to:
Developing processes for community input and feedback, both positive and negative, regarding police interactions;
Guiding community members through the civilian complaint or commendation process, including education, communication, and navigation;
Working with the Arlington Police Department (APD) to publish and analyze data;
Reviewing APD policies and procedures and providing recommendations;
Developing an annual report for Town Meeting;
General public education in regards to the APD and policing in Arlington.
Note that this position is voluntary and the time necessary for the initial groundwork will be set by the founding committee members. The Town Manager will determine the initial appointment term of one - three years.
For further details, please review the ACPAC Bylaw.
Requirements
Applicants must be Arlington residents but cannot be town employees (or receive compensation from the town).
Applicants may not be current or former municipal police officers and/or immediate family members of current or former APD employees.
The AHRC has a special interest in receiving applications from those who align with our mission:
AHRC focuses on eliminating prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, unlawful discrimination, threats, coercion, and intimidation on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religious views, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, ancestry, family/marital status, sexual orientation, disability, source of income, and military status.
We are looking for residents interested in making an impact in a collaborative, evaluative, and communicative way. Individuals with a background/experience and/or training related to equity, cultural awareness, the impact of implicit bias, and/or the significance of language access are encouraged to apply.
Please review additional service qualifications under section C.
Process
Interested? Please let us know a bit about you and why you’d be a great nominee for the AHRC. Email ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us
Submission in writing? Please limit to 300 words.
Attaching Audio or Video? Please limit to 3 minutes.
If you have questions or need any assistance, please let us know.
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Our subcommittee will be reviewing submissions on a rolling basis and will be in contact about the process. The AHRC plans to vote on the final candidate during the Commission meeting on May 18, 2023.
Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.
Email: ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us
Phone: 781-316-3250
By Mail: 27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476