Police Accepting Applications for the Chief’s Advisory Council

Published on January 03, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is accepting applications to the Chief’s Advisory Council (CAC).

Since 2007, the CAC has served as a conduit for continued communication between the community and the Police Department. The CAC consists of volunteer members from a diverse cross-section of our community who meet on a regular basis to provide the Chief of Police and department leadership with community insight on a wide range of public safety topics and activities. As part of their work, the CAC may recommend and review policies, collaborate on projects to engage and educate the community, guide best practices and approaches, help identify barriers that exist between police and members of the community, and develop strategies to eliminate those barriers. As part of the Police Department’s key initiative of community engagement, Chief Penn is expanding the CAC membership to ensure the department remains effective and responsive to the needs of our community. 

“The Chief’s Advisory Council is an example of our department’s continued commitment to making community involvement and opportunities for meaningful dialogue a top priority,” said Chief Andy Penn. “It is without question we are at our very best when we work in partnership with the community. We are excited to welcome the opportunity for new members to join the CAC to share their insights and experiences as we continue to foster collaborative police-community relationships built on the foundations of trust, respect and mutual understanding. We are thankful to the current and past members for their time, dedication and thoughtful discussions.”

Council Information

The CAC is advisory in nature and is comprised of approximately 10 members. The membership of the CAC is intended to reflect Arlington’s diverse community to allow for a wide range of lived experiences, professions, perceptions, organizational memberships, interests, geographical connections, racial and ethnic diversity, gender diversity, and expertise. Additionally, members are selected based on their integrity, commitment to the community, and their demonstrated ability to act as a communication conduit within their community networks.

The Chief of Police selects and appoints the members of the CAC. Each member serves for a minimum of two years and no longer than four years to allow for greater participation by all interested parties.

The CAC meets on the first Tuesday of each month beginning in April 2024, excluding August and December. Meetings will take place from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Arlington County Courthouse located at 1425 N. Courthouse Road.

Applicants

Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and should live, work, attend school, or be otherwise affiliated or engaged with the Arlington community. Due to the nature of the material discussed by the Chief’s Advisory Council, a background check will be completed on each applicant. A prior arrest or conviction does not necessarily prohibit participation in the CAC. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Online applications are due no later than January 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Complete the Online Application