Chief's Advisory Board
Overview
The Lexington Police Department (LPD) exists to serve all people within the City of Lexington, Virginia with respect, fairness and compassion. The department is committed to the preservation of peace and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees.
With community service as the foundation, LPD is driven by goals to enhance the quality of life and fostering public trust by providing the highest standards of performance and ethical behavior.
The department is dedicated to providing a quality work environment and development of its members through effective training and leadership.
With this in mind, the Lexington Police Chief is starting an advisory board to enhance LPD’s engagement with the community-at-large. The department hopes to accomplish this by establishing a committee of community members who represent a diversity of residents, proprietors, school leaders, faith-based clergy, and college students within the City of Lexington.
Purpose
The purpose of this board is to assist LPD by focusing on contemporary challenges affecting the community and LPD. The board will assist the Chief with community input and recommendations on topics such as police-community relations, public awareness of services and programs, community policing policy initiatives, racial equity issues, use of force, mental health response, criminal activity and trends, and transparency in operations.
Board Eligibility & Composition
The Police Chief will determine eligibility by these guidelines.
Individuals engaged in the above categories and at least 20 years of age;
Interest in public safety and community policing practices;
Individuals who have volunteered/participated in previous police community/crime prevention activities;
Can commit to an hour meeting, four (4) times of year, and a two year term;
Availability to participate in a ride-a-long with a police officer;
Completion of Citizen Academy, when available;
Submission of a completed application and resume by the deadline date; and
Participate in an interview with the Police Chief.
Board members will be comprised of five (5) to seven (7) individuals who represent the Lexington community.
Expectations
Members will meet four (4) times per year and are expected to actively engage in each meeting, attend all scheduled meetings and serve a two-year term.
Members shall serve on a volunteer basis and will not receive any compensation for serving on this board.
Members will receive quarterly summaries of statistics such as the number of police use of force, the number of police pursuits, crime rates, and the number of citizen complaints received.
Members will not have power or authority to investigate, review or otherwise participate in matters involving specific personnel or discipline details related to any ongoing investigations to include civil and criminal matters. Also, members will not play a role in civil or criminal litigation.
Background Checks & Fingerprinting
Community members selected to serve on this advisory board may be subject to a criminal background investigation including fingerprint submittal to the Virginia State Bureau of Investigations.
Staff Support
The Chief will serve as the liaison to the Advisory Board. Police staff may also be included in meetings as necessary or requested.
Advisory Board Applications
Lexington Police Department is looking for applicants to be part of the Police Chief’s Advisory Board. Applications are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wed., December 29, 2021. If you have any questions, please email Pamela Roberson at proberson@lexingtonva.gov.