Whereas, the City of Perth Amboy has a well-regarded Police Department and a model Auxiliary Police; and

Whereas, the City of Perth Amboy and its Police Chief are dedicated to continuing improvement of public safety in the City; and

Whereas, public safety can be enhanced by best practice de-escalation policies, including community engagement.

Now therefore be it resolved, that the governing body of the City of Perth Amboy that:

Section 1. Establishment of a Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council.

A Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council is hereby established.

Section 2. Membership of Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council

The Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council shall consist of eleven members:  Five members (5) appointed by the City Council and two (2) members to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council for a term of three years, and four (4) youth members, two aged 15 to 20 years old and two aged 21 to 30 years old.  Three (3) of the youth members are to be appointed by the City Council and one (1) youth member is to be appointed by the Mayor.  Their terms shall be established so that no more than two terms nor less than one term shall expire January 1 of each year.

Section 3. Powers and Duties of Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council

A. The Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council shall be considered a public body as defined in the Open Public Meetings Act and shall conduct public meetings accordingly at least four times a year.  The Council shall act by resolution.

B. The Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Council shall have the following powers:

(1) To conduct sessions to hear concerns of citizens;

(2) Recommend to the Mayor, City Administrator and Police Chief policies to enhance the operation, management and efficiency of the Perth Amboy Police Department, including but not limited to policies that enhance de-escalation practices;

(3) Serve as an advisory council to the Mayor and Police Chief;

(4) Review any reports and performance audits of the Police Department with regard to progress on adoption and/or implementation of de-escalation policies;

(5) Such other legally permissible duties and activities designated by resolution of the City Council or upon recommendation of the Mayor.

Section 4. Conflicts with other provisions

Should any other chapter or provision of this Code conflict with the provisions of this chapter, the terms of this chapter shall be deemed to control and be in effect.