Chief's Advisory Committee

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The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) highly values community partnerships and recognizes the benefit of public engagement in a successful law enforcement agency. Continuing with the Department’s mission to collaborate with the community to make Santa Clara a better and safer place for all of its' residents, business community and visitors, former Chief of Police Michael J. Sellers initiated the establishment of a Chief’s Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC advises the Chief of Police on issues, matters and public policies which influence or impact the ongoing relationship between SCPD and the community we serve. CAC members are asked to help increase public awareness on law enforcement matters.

The CAC does not have power or authority to investigate, review or otherwise participate in matters involving specific personnel or play a role in civil or criminal litigation.

CAC members are not compensated for their participation in this program.

Learn more about the CAC:

Who is the CAC?

How Often Do They Meet?

What Do They Do?

The Committee learns about the Santa Clara Police Department and provides input on policy. Examples of topics discussed in the past:

Smoking Ordinance
Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) Policy
Crisis Communication Plan
Recreation Vehicle Parking and Vehicle Dwelling; City-wide initiatives for the unhoused
Mental Health Issues
Street Racing and Sideshow Activity Ordinance
Commit to Action initiative
SCPD website
Records Reporting - UCR to NIBRS
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force police subcommittee
Assembly Bill 481
Special Needs Assistance Program
Response to Resistance or Threat
Pursuit Policy

What Makes a Good CAC Candidate?

WHAT QUALITIES WILL MAKE A SOLID CAC CANDIDATE?

To serve as a sounding board to Police Chief Morgan on community concerns, CAC applicants should:

Consist of a diverse group of individuals from a variety of disciplines and organizations to include social services, mental health, minority, business, labor, community and civic groups
Show an ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives and experience
Serve as a responsible conduit for communicating and updating their community on police actions and decisions
Assume an active role in community-police discussions, recommendations and strategies to enhance the social, economic and political interests of the community
Build coalitions intended to strengthen the ongoing relationships between the police and the community
Function in the role as of part “think tank,” making recommendations to the Chief about relevant issues in the community
Have knowledge of public safety and community policing practices. Previous participation in the Citizens’ Police Academy preferred, but not required

How Can I Apply for This Committee?

TERM

Two (2) years to allow participation by a variety of interested parties
An extension of volunteer service on the CAC may be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the Chief of Police

REQUIREMENTS

Live in the City of Santa Clara OR own a business in the City of Santa Clara
At least 18 years of age
Willing to undergo a modified background check
- Not convicted of any felonies; and,
- Not convicted of any misdemeanors within one year of application
Attend quarterly meetings. Members who have poor attendance during their term may be asked to vacate their position

TIMELINE AND PROCEDURES

Check back in June of 2026 for the next Committee.
Interviews for qualified candidates will take place in late-Summer
Questions regarding the CAC can be directed to the Chief's Office at CAC@SantaClaraCA.gov

Contact the CAC

Last Updated:

09-23-2025