The Citizens Advisory Committee
POLICE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY |
In 1979, the Fairfax County Police Department established a program to enhance its ability to communicate with and better serve the community. The program took the form of advisory groups, known as Citizens' Advisory Committees (CAC 'see-ay-see'), comprised of citizens representing a cross-section of the various neighborhoods of Fairfax County. Each of the seven police district stations formed a Citizens' Advisory Committee to work hand in hand with the station commander on issues confronting the district. The committees meet on a monthly basis with meetings open to the public. |
This CAC supports the District Station at Fairoaks, Virginia. The purposes of these committees are to:
 | provide a forum for obtaining citizen input about the delivery of police services, |
| provide a formalized process that will facilitate citizen and community cooperation with the police, and |
| identify specific and potential problem areas concerning police service. |
In addition to the district committees, a Citizens' Advisory
Council was established. The council membership is drawn from each of the district
committees and functions as a County-wide advisory body to the Chief of Police. The
council meets regularly with the Chief and the top staff of the Police Department, and
addresses the interests and concerns of the entire County. The Citizens' Advisory Council
promotes harmonious police-community relations and works to improve and enhance the Police
Department's abilities to provide the best service to the citizens of Fairfax County. Both
the Citizens' Advisory Committees and the Citizens' Advisory Council are active
participants in their Police Department. Among their many activities:
| Provide advice and comment in the development of long range plans. |
| Provide advice and comment during the Police Department's budget formulation and submission. |
| Provide support for the development of Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs. |
| Monitor suspected incidents of racial, religious, or ethnic animosity occurring in Fairfax County and submit an annual report to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. |
The Citizens' Advisory Council responds to and advises the Police Department on
virtually every significant policy matter affecting the delivery of police service in
Fairfax County. The Council maintains a broad interest in the functioning of the
Department and provides an important communications link to all citizens.
The Citizens' Advisory Council and the district Citizens' Advisory Committees are
comprised of dedicated individuals who receive no compensation beyond the satisfaction of
improving their communities and their police department. Their role is critical in
maintaining citizen involvement in, and support for, the continued delivery of
professional police service in Fairfax County.
FOR MORE INFORMATION...
If you desire to become a member of a district Citizens' Advisory Committee, contact the Police District Station serving your area.
To join our CAC please email chair@delta1.org.
