The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) highly values its partnership with the community and recognizes that having public engagement contributes toward a successful law enforcement agency.  Continuing with the Department’s mission to collaborate with the community to make Santa Clara a better and safer place for all of its' residents, business community and visitors, former Chief of Police Michael J. Sellers initiated the establishment of a Chief’s Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC will advise the Chief of Police on issues, matters and public policies which influence or impact the ongoing relationship between SCPD and the community we serve. CAC members will also be asked to help increase public awareness on law enforcement matters.

The CAC will not have power or authority to investigate, review or otherwise participate in matters involving specific personnel or play a role in civil or criminal litigation.

Please note CAC members are not compensated for their participation.

 WHO MAKES UP THE CAC?

• The CAC is a diverse cross-section of residents and business owners
• See a list of members from 2018 to present online

HOW FREQUENTLY DOES THE CAC MEET?    

• Quarterly, and as needed 
• The meetings generally take place in January, April, July and October
• Meetings are not open to the public as this is not a formal City of Santa Clara Board or Commission

WHAT QUALITIES WILL MAKE A SOLID CAC CANDIDATE?

To serve as a sounding board to Police Chief Nikolai on community concerns, CAC applicants should:

• Consist of a diverse group of individuals from a variety of disciplines and organizations to include social services, mental health, minority, business, labor, community and civic groups
• Show an ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives and experience
• Serve as a responsible conduit for communicating and updating their community on police actions and decisions
• Assume an active role in community-police discussions, recommendations and strategies to enhance the social, economic and political interests of the community
• Build coalitions intended to strengthen the ongoing relationships between the police and the community
• Function in the role as of part “think tank,” making recommendations to the Chief about relevant issues in the community
• Have knowledge of public safety and community policing practices. Previous participation in the Citizens’ Police Academy preferred, but not required

EXAMPLES OF THE TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE CAC FOR INPUT

• Smoking Ordinance
• Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) Policy
• Crisis Communication Plan
• Recreation Vehicle Parking and Vehicle Dwelling; City-wide initiatives for the unhoused
• Mental Health Issues
• Street Racing and Sideshow Activity Ordinance
• Commit to Action initiative
• New SCPD website
• Records Reporting - UCR to NIBRS 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force police subcommittee
• Assembly Bill 481
• Special Needs Assistance Program
• Response to Resistance or Threat

CAC TERM

• Two (2) years to allow participation by a variety of interested parties
• An extension of volunteer service on the CAC may be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the Chief of Police

CAC REQUIREMENTS

• Live in the City of Santa Clara OR own a business in the City of Santa Clara
• At least 18 years of age
• Willing to undergo a modified background check   
  - Not convicted of any felonies; and,   
  - Not convicted of any misdemeanors within one year of application
• Attend quarterly meetings. Members who have poor attendance during their term may be asked to vacate their position

APPLICATION TIMELINE AND PROCEDURES

• Interviews have been scheduled among the qualified applicants for the November 2024 - October 2026 term
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the 2025 - 2027 term. To be considered, apply online by 5 p.m. on August 15, 2025
• Interviews for qualified candidates will take place in late-Summer
• Questions regarding the CAC can be directed to Carolyn McDowell at 408-615-4892 or cmcdowell@santaclaraca.gov

CONTACT THE CHIEF'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Thank you for your interest in enhancing community-police relations. If you would like to contact the Chief's Advisory Committee with your thoughts or ideas regarding a project they are advising the Chief of Police on, email cac@santaclaraca.gov