The Turlock Police Department’s Community Advisory Board to the Chief of Police has been selected and had its first official meeting at the end of March.
The advisory board was formed as part of the police department’s commitment to public transparency, which already included publishing statistical and informational reports, like the annual report, online.
The board is comprised of 11 individuals who were selected to be representatives of Turlock at large. The 11 were selected from more than 30 applicants. The board members will serve one-to-four-year terms.
The board members are: Shariel Badal, a Turlock resident employed in the banking industry; Devinder Bains, a Turlock business owner; Nana Bekoe-Sakyi, a Turlock business owner, spiritual and non-profit leader; Don Bosworth, a Turlock resident and senior citizen; Richard Doo, a Turlock business owner; Karina Franco, a representative from the Turlock Latino community; Barney Gordon, an official with Turlock Unified School District; Sofia Schultz, a Turlock resident and school staff member; Sandy Singh, a member of the Turlock Sikh community; Linda Romero-Soles, a Turlock resident involved in several non-profit organizations in the community; and Stuart Wooley, an official at Stanislaus State and a spiritual leader.
“We are always looking for ways to connect with our community,” said Interim Chief Steve Williams. “Getting direct input from such a diverse group of people is invaluable.”
The advisory board will be reviewing policies, procedures, programs and events, which could include critical incidents that have impacted the community in some way. The board will provide insight, suggestions and a different perspective for the Chief of Police to consider when making decisions.
“The world continues to become more and more complex with competing interests throughout society,” said board member Barney Gordon. “I believe the key to success for any policing agency is a strong connection to the community they serve and I am proud to be part of the team that will help make that connection.”
The advisory board held their first meeting on March 25 and delved into the Unsheltered Homeless and Encampment Crisis plan.
“The newly formed CABCOP immediately provided insight and ideas,” said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Parmley.
While it is intended to meet at least quarterly, the next meeting is already scheduled for April.
