On August 24, 2017, the Columbia Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards hosted their annual Citizen Advisory Council meeting. The Citizen Advisory Council (CAC), which is comprised of eight members representing Columbia’s diverse demographics and occupations, was created by the department in June 2015. CAC members attended the annual meet and greet with Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Police Chief Skip Holbrook and the CPD Command Staff.
The CAC fosters proactive relationships with an open dialogue between CPD and citizens. Members are hand-selected through an application and vetting process by city leaders and CPD staffers, and are required to attend training on the department’s policies and procedures, as well as the citizen’s police academy. The CAC provides civilian oversight and reviews how CPD addresses complaints against officers, and other internal affairs matters.
