The Santa Clara Police Department values its partnership with the community and believes public involvement helps make law enforcement stronger and more effective.
As part of the Department’s mission to work together to keep Santa Clara safe for residents, businesses, and visitors, the Police Department created the 15-member Chief’s Advisory Committee in fall 2018.
Since then, the committee has provided advice to the Chief of Police on community issues, public policies, and topics that affect the relationship between the Police Department and the community, including:
- Crisis communication planning
- Smoking ordinance updates
- Unmanned aircraft (drone) policy
- Street racing and sideshow activity ordinance
- The City of Santa Clara’s website
- Recreational vehicle parking
- Regional mental health concerns
- Commit to Action initiative
- ALPR program
- Law enforcement telecommunications guidelines
- Pursuit Policy
- New and proposed legislation
The committee does not review personnel matters or participate in civil or criminal cases.
Applications are being accepted for members to serve a two-year term from October 2026 through September 2028. To learn more about the Chief’s Advisory Committee and apply, visit the committee’s webpage. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Interviews will take place in September.
Go to the Chief's Advisory Committee Page
Individuals interested in sharing thoughts or ideas with Chief’s Advisory Committee members can do so by emailing cac@santaclaraca.gov.
