The City of Battle Creek is seeking members for a new, volunteer Community Oversight Board, and is asking for applications submitted by Monday, Aug. 5.
The board was established with City Commission approval, and several years of work throughout the community. The COB will be an advisory board to the City Manager, reviewing appeals of investigations, and findings from community complaints against the Battle Creek Police Department.
The COB will also create bridges between the community and law enforcement officers, by supporting community education and transparency, providing community perspective on police department practices and policies, and working to build credibility and community trust.
The board will have seven members and two alternates who reflect the city’s racial, gender, age, skill, and other demographics as closely as possible:
- Up to seven members who live in the City of Battle Creek; voting members; three will represent the NAACP, Voces, and the Burma Center, community organizations serving and advocating for marginalized neighbors
- Up to one member who lives in another municipality that receives contracted BCPD services
- Two members who live in the City of Battle Creek; alternates who will attend all meetings and have the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of members in those members’ absence
- In addition, the City of Battle Creek Human Resources Director and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer will serve as ex-officio and non-voting members
Members must attend meetings at least quarterly, as well as mandatory training sessions. They must also participate in community engagement activities and additional relevant training opportunities. Members can serve two consecutive three-year terms.
The following may not serve on the COB: Current City of Battle Creek employees (except the HR Director and DEI Officer, as described); immediate relatives of city employees (siblings, children, spouses/partners, parents, or household members); active employees of other area law enforcement agencies and their immediate relatives; former or retired law enforcement officers who worked in Calhoun County.
Visit battlecreekmi.gov/BoardsAndCommissions to apply online or download the application form to fill out and mail or drop off at City Hall. The City of Battle Creek is committed to making our volunteer opportunities accessible to everyone. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 269-966-3311 or PublicInput@battlecreekmi.gov.
For more information about the BCPD complaint and appeal process, contact 269-966-3322 or PoliceAdmin@battlecreekmi.gov. With other COB questions contact DEI Officer Kimberly Holley at 269-966-3355 ext. 1207 or klholley@battlecreekmi.gov.