Purpose and Membership Structure
The purpose of the Policing and Criminal Justice Committee (the “Committee”) is to promote fairness, equity, and decency in institutions, laws, and activities related to public safety and service. The Committee is primarily concerned with issues of policing and criminal justice in Park Ridge, but will engage in regional, statewide, and national conversations and actions, as well.
The Committee Chair(s) is appointed by the officers of Action Ridge. The Committee shall consist of members of Action Ridge and the community at large. Residency in Park Ridge is not required for membership. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees, as it deems appropriate.
Activites, Duties and Responsibilities
The committee will engage in activities that ensure fairness, equity, and decency in the realm of public safety in Park Ridge and beyond, including, but not limited to:
- Promoting dialogue between institutions responsible for public safety (City Council, Park Ridge Police Department, schools) and community members to prevent and address problems.
- Advocating for changes in institutional structures and policies when clear opportunities for improvement exist.
- Evaluating the City budget to understand how funds are allocated to public safety and associated efforts like public assistance and education.
- Learning best practices for the execution of equitable public safety from across the country and advocating for their use in Park Ridge as appropriate.
- Monitoring the composition of the Park Ridge Police Department (PRPD) and advocating for diversity across race and gender among other factors that promote representation of the larger community.
- Understanding the type and frequency of PRPD training programs and recommending changes as necessary.
- Reviewing police activity reports (and requesting data when necessary) related to public interactions and disciplinary actions.
Procedural Requirements
- The Committee will establish annual goals and review progress towards these goals quarterly.
- The Committee will meet quarterly and on an as needed basis.
- The Committee (and any sub-committee) will produce a written report (minutes) within three weeks of the conclusion of each meeting.
- The Committee will present at a minimum of one Action Ridge general meeting annually.
To join this committee, email actionridge2017@gmail.com.
