Community Round Table

The Community Round Table is designed to be a bridge between the community and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. It is designed to facilitate and enhance communication and the relationship between the Public Safety Department and the community. The Community Round Table assists in informing the Director of Public Safety of the broader community’s concerns and views regarding public safety, thus guiding the focus of law enforcement services.

The Community Round Table consists of a diverse group of a manageable size who represent stakeholders in the community. The team consists of residents of Rohnert Park, individuals employed in Rohnert Park, or individuals who have a “sphere of influence” with the City of Rohnert Park.
  • Members serve a 1-2-year term.
  • Members should be able to attend meetings on a monthly basis. More meetings may occur based on the needs of the community.
  • Members should be open to new ideas and be willing to work with others.
  • Members should be able to provide feedback in a productive manner.
The Community Round Table reviews and makes recommendations to the Director on matters pertinent to the Public Safety Department. These areas include community issues, program review, and community outreach assistance. Guidelines and Responsibilities of the Community Round Table include the following:
  • Discuss potential resolutions to police-related community issues.
  • Provide feedback regarding Police Department programs and priority recommendations.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of information that is designated as confidential and discussed and/or disclosed during the meetings.
  • Assist in community outreach efforts.
  • Encouraged to participate in major police events (such as swearing in/promotion ceremonies, etc.).
  • Encouraged to attend the Citizens Police Academy to familiarize themselves with Department Operations.
  • Members of the Community Round Table are not to utilize the meetings to facilitate personal agendas.
  • Community Round Table members are encouraged to go on ride-alongs with Rohnert Park Public Safety Officers and take a tour of the Public Safety Department to familiarize themselves with Department operations. These activities will be subject to the Department’s standard procedures.
  • Meetings are held on a monthly basis.
Community Round Table We would like to thank the public for inquiring about the Community Round Table’s progress and asking important questions about how feedback and/or information expressed by the committee will be shared with the community. These are important and valuable questions.

As the Community Round Table is a voluntary group of individuals who have agreed to meet monthly to discuss various topics related to police programming and community engagement, the committee is not televised nor open to the public. The goal is to provide the group with a space in which to speak candidly and openly so that Rohnert Park DPS can learn from them how to serve all our communities better. Understanding the importance of keeping our community informed, the following updates and access are provided:
  • A full report of the CRT findings will be presented to City Council (open to the public)
  • Questions about the CRT’s agenda (specific topics and/or program suggestions) can be directed to [email protected]
The purpose of the CRT is to work collaboratively with the CRT members, our communities, and Chief Mattos to augment diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as it pertains to Public Safety and the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful to the members who have joined us in this mission, and we look forward to our partnership and collaboration.
Interested in applying? Thank you for your willingness to help in creating better engagement between the department and the community!

Click here to submit an application


SELECTION CRITERIA

Race and Ethnicity

  • Members should reflect racial, ethnic, cultural and other underrepresented people in the community
  • Members should be from varied socio-economic backgrounds

Community Group Representatives

  • Youth representatives = 1-2 youth representing Rohnert Park-Cotati Unified School District high schools
    • Able to report youth-specific concerns from their group to the Community Round Table
  • SSU student (1-2)
  • Black community (1-3)
  • Indigenous community (1-3)
  • Latinx community (1-3)
  • Asian and Pacific Islander (1-2)
  • Business representative (1-2)
  • Faith community representative (1)
  • LGBTQ+ (1-2)
  • Other individuals not listed above

Language

Non-English speakers should not be disqualified from becoming a member

Community Reach

  • Are they actively involved in other community groups?
  • Do they have the ability to interact with a large number of people in the community?

Participation in Group Activities/Outside Meetings

  • Is the applicant able to volunteer hours outside of the regular monthly meeting?
  • Is the applicant able to attend community events or meetings related to the Community Round Table?



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Community Round Table?

The CRT is designed to be a bridge between the community and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. It will be designed to facilitate and enhance communication and the relationship between the Police Department and the community. The Community Round Table will assist in informing the Director of Public Safety of the broader community’s concerns and views regarding public safety, thus guiding the focus of law enforcement services.

How many members make up the Community Round Table?

10-16

What are the ideal qualities of a Community Round Table member?

Members of the Community Round Table must be passionate about working in a positive and meaningful manner to improve the relationship between the Department of Public Safety and the community. Members must be able to work as a group and be willing to provide honest and constructive feedback to the Director of Public Safety.

How are Community Round Table members selected?

Members will be selected based on a review of applications. The goal is to create a diverse group of individuals who represent many demographics and socioeconomic groups with the community.

What do Community Round Table members do and how long do they serve?

Members will provide a two-way conduit of information to the community and the police department. They will provide input and information to the Director of Public Safety regarding issues in the community and engagement between the Department and community members. Members will be asked to serve 1-2 years on the team.

How many hours per month are members expected to volunteer?

There is no volunteer time expectation, just attending the meetings.

How often does Community Round Table meet?

Monthly

I am not a Community Round Table member but would like to provide input. How may I do so?

Input can be provided through email, through a Community Round Table member, or at a meeting.