Westport RTM Seeks Candidates For Civilian Review Panel

WESTPORT, CT — The Representative Town Meeting's Public Protection Committee is seeking candidates to recommend to the RTM to fill two volunteer member vacancies on the Westport Civilian Review Panel.

According to a news release, the town's leadership and public safety departments recognize the need to foster and maintain the public's trust in its personnel. In order to do so, the CRP was formed in December 2020.

The town has provided the following summary of the position:

The CRP is composed of five civilian members of the Westport community: two members of the Board of Selectwomen (other than the first selectwoman); one member of TEAM Westport who is appointed by the First Selectwoman; and two members from the Westport electorate who are appointed by the Representative Town Meeting. The initial RTM-appointed members shall serve for two two years, and the terms of each subsequent RTM-appointed members shall be four years. The RTM-appointed members may be reappointed by the RTM for unlimited consecutive terms. No more than a bare majority of the CRP may be members of the same political party.

Responsibilities:

The CRP works closely with the members of the police, fire and EMS departments to diversify hiring, oversee the investigation of civilian complaints, and evaluate opportunities to improve transparency and accountability. The mission of the CRP is to build on the foundation of public trust between the police, fire and EMS departments and Westport residents by conducting the following objectives:

• Hiring Oversight: Participate in the interview process of new hires and lateral transfer applicants offering measurable feedback on the selection of candidates.
• Complaint Review: Review and provide feedback on civilian complaints regarding Police, Fire and EMS.
• Transparency & Accountability Improvements: Advise the departments on policies and procedures that will improve transparency and accountability.
• Meetings: Hold special meetings as needed.
• Training: Receive training from the Police, Fire and EMS Departments in order for the CRP to fully understand current policies, procedures, general orders, internal affairs, and legal issues.
• Reporting from Departments: The Departments shall provide an annual report to the First Selectwoman and the CRP of all disciplinary complaints received and their status and resolution.

Requirements:

Applicants must be registered voters of the town of Westport. No member of the CRP shall be an employee, or family member of an employee, of the police, fire and EMS departments.

Anyone interested in applying should email a resume and letter of interest to the town clerk's office at jdunkerton@westportct.gov or mail: Westport Town Clerk, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 105, Westport, CT 06880.

Applicants are asked to indicate how their experience would qualify them for consideration as a panel member. Following receipt of this material, screened candidates will be provided more detailed information about the CRP's role and undergo an interview process.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 7.