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UC Merced Police Advisory Board

Police Advisory Board

Mission

The University proactively seeks the advice and counsel of a diverse group of community members regarding issues that impact the safety and quality of life of the students, faculty, staff and visitors of the University of California Merced (UC Merced) campus and ancillary sites.

Purpose

The Police Advisory Board is an independent body that will make recommendations related to campus issues and concerns, community outreach programs, training, policy development and ways to help support the goals and initiatives of the UC Merced Police Department. The Police Advisory Board does not serve as a police review or accountability board and does not formally review specific police matters.

Specific Member Representation

The Police Advisory Board is a representation of the students, faculty and staff of UC Merced, comprised of no more than 16 members. Members are chosen to serve on the advisory board for their commitment to serve the UC Merced campus community. The Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee will approve the final membership.

The Police Advisory Board may be comprised of members that represent, but are not limited to, any of the following areas of UC Merced:

  • Academic Senate (1)

  • Non-Senate Faculty (1)

  • Staff Assembly (1)

  • Graduate Students Association (GSA) – President or their designee from elected GSA officials (1)

  • Associated Students of UC MERCED (ASUCM) -- President or their designee from among elected ASUCM officials, and students selected by ASUCM from clubs and organizations of underrepresented groups ( i.e., Black Student Union, Mecha, Muslim Student Association, Sikh Student Association) (3)

  • Undocumented Students (1)

  • Chancellor’s Designee (1)

  • Student Affairs (Recreation and Athletics, Housing, CAPS) (1)

  • Office of Campus Climate (1)

  • The Office of Ombuds Services (1)

  • General Student Membership (3, at least one of which should be a graduate student)

  • At-Large Member (1)

  • Chief of Police (ex-officio)

Each of the specific units listed above will nominate a person(s) to be a representative of their area.

The general student members will be recommended to the Chancellor by the Chairperson(s), in consultation with a standing subcommittee consisting of the President-ASUCM, President-GSA and a third student member selected by the ASUCM and GSA Presidents. The Chairperson(s) shall recommend an at-large member from other campus units or organizations, in consultation with the members of the Police Advisory Board. All new members are expected to attend a police department orientation session prior to the first PAB meeting of the academic year.

Members may be removed for reasons including, but not limited to, lack of productive participation or contribution or lack of attendance, if deemed appropriate by the Chairperson, in consultation with the Police Advisory Board. Depending on the issue or policy being considered, and the available representation on the Police Advisory Board, the Board may develop additional mechanisms to secure broader solicitation on the issues from the campus community.

The Chief of Police will serve as an ex-officio member on the Police Advisory Board.

Chairperson(s)

The Police Advisory Board will elect a chairperson(s). The term of this position may be reviewed and/or modified by the Chancellor’s designee. If a chairperson vacancy exists, the Police Advisory Board will select a successor.

Membership Term

The term of appointment for staff and faculty members is generally two years and for student members is one year, but this may be reviewed and/or modified annually by the Police Advisory Board. If an individual graduates, leaves University employment, or discontinues their affiliation with the unit or organization they represent, their membership on the Police Advisory Board will also conclude.

Meetings

Meetings will be held 2-3 times per semester or as the need arises, as determined by the Police Advisory Board. Meeting dates and location will be determined by members to best accomplish the Police Advisory Board goals and schedules. Electronic meeting notifications will be managed by the Chancellor’s designee. The first meeting of each academic year will include an orientation program that will educate new members about police department responsibilities and protocols and the campus’ approach to policing and public safety. Police Advisory Board members will have the opportunity to provide guidance and insight to the Chief of Police; however, the Chief of Police is ultimately responsible for all operational decisions related to police operations.

Confidentiality

Certain sensitive matters discussed by and information shared with the Police Advisory Board may be confidential. Respecting this confidentiality will enable all members to share information and concerns in an open and secure setting.

Compensation

Members appointed to the Police Advisory Board will serve without compensation from UC Merced or the UC Merced Police Department.

Policy Modifications

Suggested modifications to this document may be brought to the Police Advisory Board by any UC Merced student, staff or faculty for review. The Chancellor’s designee may accept, reject, modify or table such suggestions. The Police Advisory Board will review this charge on an annual basis.