The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Committee should be comprised of about 30 residents from within the County of Del Norte. Each Board of Supervisor member will be asked to nominate a citizen from their district and the Sheriff will select an additional five (5) citizens from each district. The committee will serve as a sounding board for agency programs, procedures and concerns of the community. This committee will play a vital role while improving community policing services.

The Committee is aimed at dealing with community input regarding the unique challenges facing Del Norte County. Members serve as a resource, information-gathering and advisory body to the Sheriff on matters pertaining to safety and the prevention of crime. Monthly meetings will be held with invited guests, in order to address topics that affect law enforcement and Del Norte County.

We know that citizen participation is fundamental to achieving targeted law enforcement. Involving citizens in the planning process has many benefits. Committee members learn the limitations–as well as some of the frustrations–that Law Enforcement Officers experience in confronting various problems. Citizens also experience first-hand the impact of citizen involvement and cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office

The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office also benefits from the focus provided by the committee. The advisory committee shall assist the Sheriff to direct the department’s efforts in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Through this committee the Sheriff’s Office will be able to keep in better contact with the community we serve.

The Citizens Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Sheriff regarding issues relevant to law enforcement, community relations and crime prevention.

The main goals are to:

1. Act as liaison between the community and the Sheriff and serve as a sounding board for departmental programs and grant opportunities.

2. Promote community awareness, understanding and involvement of law enforcement programs and services.

3. Provide an avenue to identify problems and/or issues from the community to the law enforcement and vice versa.
Committee members bring both specific and community-wide concerns to the Sheriff, playing a vital role in providing community policing services. Each month the Sheriff presents a specific crime prevention topic, or discusses concerns requested by the committee members.

The Sheriff designates command officers to facilitate CAC activities. They clarify any operational limitations of proposals based on department resources. They provide the CAC with a perspective regarding the legal issues governing policing.

Finally, they enunciate the scope of initiatives requested by the CAC, and provide feedback on the ability to reach stated objectives. Designated command staff present updates on departmental progress, programs and crime statistics.

It should also be mentioned that Crescent City Chief of Police, Ivan Minsal will soon be instituting a very similar program. If you are a Crescent City resident and interested in joining the Crescent City counterpart to this program, please contact the CCPD at 707 464-2133 for additional information.

Keep in mind that members of the Crescent City Police CAC can also be members of the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office CAC.
Thank you all for your interest and continued support.

Again, to if you are interested in joining the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Advisory Committee, please come to the DNSO lobby during regular business hours. You can also respond to this post and we will get an application mailed to you. The size of this group may be limited so please apply at your earliest convenience.