Kirkland Police Black Community Advisory Committee

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The City of Kirkland strives to create a Kirkland where Black people feel safe and respected and interpersonal, institutional and structural racism no longer exists. On August 4, 2020 the City Council passed legislation (R-5434) committing to several actions related to examining and dismantling institutional and structural racism in Kirkland. As part of these efforts, the Kirkland Police Department seeks to establish the City of Kirkland’s Black Community Police Advisory Committee.

The City of Kirkland’s Black Community Police Advisory Committee is a group of community stakeholders who serve as a resource to the Kirkland Chief of Police when contemplating public safety issues facing the police department and community.  The Chief seeks to leverage the knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and civic spirit of committee members to enhance the provision of law enforcement and crime prevention services delivered to the community.  Conversely, members will become more knowledgeable about law enforcement in their community and assist the Chief by educating the community at large about the function and role of the Kirkland Police Department. 

The Committee is a valuable component to the police department’s community policing strategy and supports the City of Kirkland’s community vision and agency core values of Honor, Integrity and Courage. 

The City of Kirkland’s Black Community Police Advisory Committee consists of six to ten members who are selected by the Chief of Police and the Co-Chair based on their direct commitment and involvement in the City of Kirkland.  The committee will include Paul Lwali, Friends of Youth CEO as the inaugural Co-Chair, partnering with the Chief of Police. Future Co-Chairs, will be a non-officer member elected by the non-officer members of the committee. The membership term is for three years and includes diverse individuals who either reside, work, learn, worship, or volunteer in the City of Kirkland.  These individuals are civilians, not law enforcement professionals. This aspect underpins the value to the Chief by allowing her to garner different perspectives and insight when considering law enforcement and crime prevention matters. 

 

This is an unpaid position. This is a voluntary position, not a job and it does not receive a salary, hourly wage, or benefits. 

Selection Criteria

Members must be at least 21 years of age and pass a criminal background check absent any felony convictions or recent crimes of moral turpitude.  Committee appointments and removals shall be at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police and the Co-Chair. Members may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. 

Community Representative Responsibilities

  • Partner in discussions with the Chief and Co-Chair and other departmental personnel regarding police services and priorities, providing your perspective and insight.
  • Promote public awareness of police services and programs.
  • Serve as panelists during police preemployment interviews.
  • Assist the police department with community outreach and public education efforts.
  • Members are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings with the Chief of Police or her designee and the Co-Chair.
  • Members are expected to be available for periodic consultation as needed.
  • Members are encouraged to attend major police events (such as swearing in and promotional ceremonies).
  • Members are encouraged to attend the Kirkland Community Police Academy.
  • Members are encouraged to participate in one police ride-along annually. 

 

Application Process

 

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