Seeking people to join Community Policing Advisory Boards to build trust, legitimacy

The Madison Police Department is recruiting individuals now through June 2 to serve on Community Policing Advisory Boards (CPABs) in each of Madison’s six police districts (cityofmadison.com/police/districts). 

Advisors will seek and share residents’ concerns, questions and ideas as they advise district officers on community issues; amplify voices that have traditionally gone unheard; and promote trust and transparency between MPD and the community. 

MPD is seeking a total of 30 individuals (5 per district) from diverse backgrounds with deep knowledge of and strong ties to the Madison police district they live or work in and the people and places in it; experience with or exposure to life challenges, and a commitment to making Madison safer for all.

“We know there are people out there who do not trust police. We’re working on this. These groups give us a space to truly listen to their concerns,” said Shannon Blackamore, Captain of Community Outreach and Resource Education. “Our department will grow and learn from what is shared.”

The creation of CPABs is a key part of a community policing grant awarded to MPD by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (cops.usdoj.gov) and supported by the Madison Community Policing Foundation (madisoncommunitypolicingfoundation.org).

Advisor Commitment and Compensation
Between June 2023 and September 2024, Advisors will attend 10 meetings. Additionally, they may collaborate with nonprofit community-based organizations to organize community-building events, feedback sessions, or surveys. Advisors will be compensated at $25 per hour with a maximum of 40 hours over the course of the grant. 

Committed to Eliminating Barriers to Participation
Interested individuals with concerns about childcare, transportation, hours of employment, disability, criminal history, or other concerns are encouraged to apply. These are precisely the experiences or challenges we view as assets in this work.

How to Communicate Interest 
Read the full position description and submit a statement of interest by Friday, May 26, 2023 at madisoncommunitypolicingfoundation.org/cpab. These materials are available in English, Hmong, and Spanish on the website. 

Paper copies of the form are available at each Madison Police Department district office, or request a paper copy be mailed to you by sending an email to mcpf-cpab@madisoncommunitypolicingfoundation.org or by phone/text at 608-335-2363. Please indicate your full name and mailing address.

*The deadline extended for this program has been extended until June 2. It was previously scheduled for May 23.

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