The Police Advisory Committee is established under the direction of the Selectboard. The Committee shall adhere to the Administrative Code. The Committee is created to act as a resource for the Town of Milton and the Milton Police Department to assist in the formation of strategies, development of community policing concepts, increasing public awareness, furthering engagement and transparency efforts, and help to identify best practices. The Committee is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community issues and the goal is to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented.
The Milton Police Department is committed to community engagement and providing exceptional and transparent police services. In support of this commitment, the mission of the Police Advisory Committee is to act as a resource for both the community and the Police to enhance community involvement regarding policy issues. The Police Advisory Committee acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the active participation, creativity, and vision of its members. To carry out its purpose, the Committee will address issues associated with police-community relations, the improvement of the Milton Police Department’s operations, and public safety issues to further enhance the quality of life in our community. The Committee will act as a sounding board for the Chief regarding community needs and concerns while keeping the Chief apprised of the community’s need for police services. The Committee will focus on contemporary challenges that affect the community and it’s Police Department.
Examples of topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Community Policing Policy Initiatives
Racial equity issues
Use of Force
Mental Health Response
Criminal activity and trends
Transparency in operations
Quality of Life Issues
Technology
Although the Committee is expected to be proactive, it will not have the power or authority to investigate, review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police-related incidents. It will not receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the police, nor play any role in civil or criminal litigation. In its capacity as an advisory committee, the Committee is intended to be an expression of the Milton community’s viewpoints. The Committee will be provided with an annual summary of statistics such as number of police uses of force, the number of police pursuits, crime rates, and the number of citizen complaints received.
Meetings
The Committee meets once per month, in person, or in a virtual setting. It is expected that each Committee member will contribute and provide input on the topics the Committee Chair and Chief of Police deem appropriate and timely.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas & Minutes for the Police Advisory Committee and all other Boards & Commissions can be found in the Agenda Center. Sign up to receive notifications via email and/or text for future meetings using Notify Me.
The Committee will be comprised of five members, featuring a diverse cross-section of active community members throughout the Town of Milton. These members will represent a range of interests and experiences, such as business owners, education, non-profits, public relations, faith community, youth representation, and more. Members must be Milton residents or Milton businesses and are appointed by the Selectboard. Members are chosen to serve on the Committee for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to their community. The term for Committee members is limited to two years to allow for greater participation by all interested parties. Extensions for sitting on the Committee will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the Selectboard. Members may be removed before the end of their term at the discretion of the Selectboard. Additionally, members who fail to attend three regular Committee meetings in a year may be considered to have vacated their position and may be replaced. Members of the Committee acknowledge that service is strictly on a volunteer basis and members will not receive any form of compensation.
Members of the Committee are expected to attend the scheduled meetings and be prepared to engage in an honest and productive dialogue.
Members of the Committee are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect.
Committee members are not to utilize the meetings to facilitate personal agendas.
Members of the Committee will be encouraged to attend and participate in major police events, such as National Night-Out.
Members are encouraged to go on a ride-along with a Milton police officer and take a tour of the Police Department to familiarize themselves with Department operations. These activities will be subject to standard procedures.
The Committee must follow all applicable State Laws and Town policies.
Staff Support
The Chief of Police or his/her designee will serve as the liaison to the Committee and a member of the Committee will act as the recording secretary. A member or members of the Milton Police Department/Public Safety Department may also be included in the Committee meetings as necessary or requested. The Committee Chair, the Chief of Police and the Public Safety Director will approve agenda items. Agenda items must be submitted and approved at least 72 hours prior to meetings.