MADISON – Madison City Council has voted unanimously to organize the Police Citizens Advisory Committee. Residents can apply to serve with this new municipal group.

The committee’s goal is to promote dialogue between Madison Police Department and the community. The committee will service in an advisory capacity for community concerns, quality-of-life issues, police officer training, community policing, diversity, procedural justice, crisis intervention and other topics.

“The Madison Police Department is committed to professionally and effectively serving our community in partnership with all stakeholders. We are excited about working with our community to establish the Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee to strengthen our relationship with our community,” Acting Police Chief John Stringer said.

The committee will hold public meetings and recommend programs or policies to improve the police department.

“This Police Citizens Advisory Committee serves as another step forward in transparency and open dialogue with our citizens,” Mayor Paul Finley said. “We look forward to the cooperation with the future members of the committee as they communicate with city’s Police Chief, Mayor, City Council and the community at large.”

“Council is hopeful for this valuable resource to connect with our citizens and listen to how our local government and law enforcement can continue to serve our community more effectively,” City Council President Greg Shaw said.

Council members, the mayor and chief of police will appoint the nine-member committee. An applicant must be a Madison resident, 18 years old minimum and commit to serving an initial term of two or four years. In addition, applicants must be willing to dedicate time to attend training sessions and committee meetings, along with fielding questions from fellow residents.

The community’s interaction can assist police in understanding the nature and causes of complex community problems. The committee will advocate the principle that administration of justice requires total community involvement and personal responsibility.

Police Citizens Advisory Committee also will inform Madison Chief of Police, Mayor and City Council about actions by Madison Police Department that have created community concern or controversy. Effective communication will result in transparency. The committee will strengthen bonds between the police department and the community to confirm equal protection and service for all citizens.

For an application, visit Madisonal.gov. Scroll down, and click “Police Citizens Advisory Committee.” On the next page, click “To Apply Click Here.”

For more information, email mayorsoffice@madisonal.gov or visit Facebook/Madison, Alabama Police Department.