How to become a CPC commissioner

Commissioner Responsibilities

Appointed commissioners are expected to:

  • Attend regularly scheduled meetings (currently the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 9am-12 pm)
  • Dedicate at least 10 hours per month to CPC-related work
  • Act as liaisons between the CPC and the community, including District representation
  • Attend and participate in community meetings, forums, and other events across the city
  • Serve on at least one standing committee or ad-hoc workgroups
  • Respond in a timely manner to CPC communications through city provided channels
  • Review materials in preparation for meetings
  • Work with CPC staff to achieve the goals and mission of the CPC

There is a stipend available for those in need, or for whom unpaid time off from work presents a significant barrier. Our aim is to ensure that economic constraints do not prohibit participation from members of our community. 

Selection Process

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Due to scheduling, it may be some time before we can schedule interviews and make final decisions on appointments. If you have applied and would like information about the status of your application, please email OCPC@Seattle.gov.

The Community Police Commission (CPC) is made up of up to 15 commissioners. 5 are nominated by the Mayor's Office, 5 by the City Council, and 5 by the CPC itself. 

Once nominated, the candidates will go through a City Council confirmation process. That includes a public hearing where the Council will ask questions pertinent to the position. 

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be considered when assessing applicants. Although no single candidate might possess all of these qualities, the goal is to ensure that the Commission, as a whole, adequately represents and possess each of these qualities.

Qualifications:

  • Represents or demonstrates knowledge of the experiences of limited-English speakers, homeless people, and/or people living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders
  • Represents one or more of the following communities: Indigenous and First Nation, African-American, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ, youth, faith, business, and other communities reflecting the overall demographics of Seattle residents
  • Demonstrates expertise in law enforcement; law enforcement oversight; police accountability; human resources; community engagement and/or organizing; organizational change; constitution, criminal or labor law; social justice; training; and/or other disciplines important to the CPC's work

Desired Qualifications

  • Demonstrates experience working effectively with diverse populations
  • Demonstrates the ability to develop consensus and create positive change in organizations
  • Demonstrates knowledge of policing policies and procedures, including those related to searches and seizures, collection and release of information, use of force, and professional accountability
  • Demonstrates experience in dealing with different aspects of the criminal justice system, whether from a policing, criminal prosecution or defense, victim, or defendant perspective
  • Demonstrates experience in creating--and the ability to articulate--firm ideas for creating a culture of policing that is community-based, effective, and constitutional
  • Understands local government and how City departments function in relation to one another
  • Understands how labor negotiations impact policing, from a legal, management or employee's perspective
  • Articulates the vision and role of the Commission and describes how its work might positively impact all of Seattle's residents
  • Demonstrates program evaluation and outcomes measurement experience
  • Demonstrates leadership in community

*Individuals who have been arrested, or convicted, of a crime and have demonstrated successful rehabilitation would add meaningful perspective and insight to the Commission's work and are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to be considered for an appointment:

  • A resume or bio
  • A cover letter describing your interest, number of hours you would be able to commit to CPC-related work per month, and relevant experience, particularly in relation to the criteria described above
  • A statement of commitment to attendance and full participation in the work of the commission.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For consideration of appointments by all appointing entities, please submit your application to OCPC@seattle.gov.