ACPD CAB FAQ

Why did the Auraria Campus establishing an ACPD Community Advisory Board?
We have seen and heard calls for racial justice and equity from communities across the United States, including here in Denver, with law enforcement at the center of many of those conversations. As an urban campus, we have long realized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Auraria Executives Council actively works together to ensure that commitment is reflected in our public safety practices on campus for every student, faculty, and staff member we serve. As part of our efforts to continue to foster a campus environment that is antiracist and promotes diversity and inclusion for all Auraria Campus community members, the Auraria Campus established the Auraria Campus Police Department (ACPD) Community Advisory Board. 

What is the ACPD Community Advisory Board?
The ACPD Community Advisory Board, established by the Auraria Executives Council in full collaboration with the Auraria Campus Police Department, is an independent advisory committee comprised of 15 students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding Denver community who are appointed by the four partner institutions on the Auraria Campus.

  • The ACPD Community Advisory Board makes recommendations related to campus issues and concerns, community outreach programs, training, policy development, and how to help the ACPD best support public safety on the Auraria Campus.
  • The ACPD Community Advisory Board conducts informal reviews of policies, procedures, practices, and accountability issues.
  • The ACPD Community Advisory Board may provide feedback on specific incidents involving the ACPD.
  • Topics addressed by the ACPD Community Advisory Board may include issues of equity, racial justice, proportionate enforcement of laws, fiscal management, training, programs, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning.
  • The ACPD Community Advisory Board may also conduct research and generate new ideas or solutions for consideration by the ACPD and/or the Auraria Executives Council (AEC).

Who can join the ACPD Community Advisory Board?
The students, faculty, and staff of the Community College of Denver (CCD), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), and the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), as well as members of the surrounding Denver community, are eligible to participate on the ACPD Community Advisory Board.

How will members of the ACPD Community Advisory Board be selected?
Those interested in participating in the ACPD Community Advisory Board must submit an application. All applications will go through a review process as determined by each individual institution. Final appointees to the board are selected by each institution’s executive leadership.
Please Note: The application process for the 2020-2021 ACPD CAB is closed at this time.

Who does the ACPD Community Advisory Board report to?
The ACPD Community Advisory Board operates independently of the ACPD and reports to the AHEC Chief Executive Officer, Colleen Walker, and the Auraria Executives Council (AEC) formally twice annually and informally as needed throughout the academic year.

Are the members of the ACPD Community Advisory Board paid?
Members appointed to the ACPD Community Advisory Board serve without compensation from the Auraria Higher Education Center or from the Auraria Campus Police Department.

What is the term for each member position?
The term of appointment is generally two years for staff and faculty members and one year for student members, but this may be reviewed and/or modified annually by the board. If a board member graduates, leaves university employment, or discontinues their affiliation with the unit or organization they represent, their membership on the ACPD Community Advisory Board will conclude. 

What kinds of projects and initiatives does the ACPD Community Advisory Board conduct?
The ACPD Community Advisory Board engages in projects and initiatives that support the mission to proactively resolve issues that impact the safety and quality of life for all members of the Auraria Campus community. Projects and initiatives will take shape as the board navigates its inaugural year. Examples of possible projects and initiatives include, but are not limited to:

  • Making recommendations related to campus issues and concerns, community outreach programs, training, policy development, and how to help the ACPD best support the goals and initiatives of the Auraria Campus
  • Conducting informal reviews of policies, procedures, practices, and accountability issues
  • Providing feedback on specific incidents involving the ACPD
  • Addressing issues of equity, racial justice, proportionate enforcement of laws, fiscal management, training, programs, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning
  • Conducting research and brainstorming new ideas or solutions for consideration by the ACPD and/or the Auraria Executives Council (AEC)

Does the ACPD Community Advisory Board require a significant time commitment?
Members of the ACPD Community Advisory Board meet at least once a month and are expected to participate fully and collaboratively in discussions and projects. Members are responsible for reporting the activities and progress of the ACPD Community Advisory Board back to their respective institutions, acting as the conduit for open and transparent communication between the ACPD and the campus community. New members of the ACPD Community Advisory Board must participate in an orientation, which includes a four-hour block of instruction, a diversity training session, and a four-hour ride-along with an Auraria Campus police officer (adhering to current COVID-19 policies and guidelines).

What are the basic responsibilities of the ACPD Community Advisory Board?
The ACPD Community Advisory Board will, at a minimum: 

  • Demonstrate ongoing and active participation and communication within the Auraria Campus community and partnerships with relevant external community organizations
  • Promote and engage in two-way communication with each member’s institutional or campus constituency, advocating for their perspectives, ideas, and concerns; serving as a responsible conduit for communicating, and updating their constituency on public safety actions and decisions
  • Assume an active role in ACPD-community discussions, recommendations, and strategies to enhance both the safety and social interests of the campus community
  • Build coalitions intended to strengthen the ongoing relationships between the police and the campus community
  • Function as a part-think tank and part-action group, making recommendations to the Chief of Police of the ACPD and/or the Auraria Executives Council about relevant issues within the campus community

 

Learn More

About the Auraria Campus Police Department Community Advisory Board (ACPD CAB) »
ACPD Members »
ACPD CAB Meeting Agendas and Minutes »
ACPD CAB FAQ »
ACPD CAB Membership »
ACPD CAB Confidentiality »

About the Auraria Campus Police Department (ACPD) »
2020–2021 ACPD Annual Report »
Daily Crime Log »