(BLOOMINGTON) — The City of Bloomington Office of the City Clerk is accepting applications to fill vacant positions on the newly formed Community Advisory on Public Safety (CAPS) Commission.
The CAPS Commission’s goal is to increase the safety of all Bloomington community members, especially those often marginalized due to race, disability, gender, sexual identity, or sexual orientation. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply to be on the commission. Such groups may include, but are not limited to, Black, indigenous, and people of color; those experiencing mental health challenges or physical disabilities; those who identify as LGBTQ+; those experiencing or having experienced homelessness, drug addiction, or domestic violence; those with a record of previous incarceration. Individuals who work directly with or serve one or more of these groups are also encouraged to apply.
The CAPS Commission will conduct research and gather data on the perceptions and preferences about public safety from community members, with specific focus on data gathered from minority community members, individuals who are disabled, and other often marginalized community members. The CAPS Commission will research evidence-based alternatives to traditional policing, identify best practices in public safety globally, and evaluate the efficacy of such practices for implementation in Bloomington, and will make recommendations to the Common Council, the Board of Public Safety, and/or the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee on policies and programs that enhance public safety for all community members. The CAPS Commission will be composed of 11 voting members appointed by the Common Council. Each member shall have one vote and shall serve without compensation. The commission will generally meet one time each month. For more
information, please visit the CAPS Commission website: https://bloomington.in.gov/council/public-safety-advisory
To learn more about each of the City’s boards and commissions, including mission statements, membership requirements, current membership listings and term lengths, meeting schedules and location, visit the city website, here: bloomington.in.gov/onboard. If you are interested in applying to a vacant seat on a board or commission, you may apply, here: https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/applicants/apply
All board and commission meetings are free and open to the public. Potential applicants are urged to attend a meeting of their desired board or commission prior to applying.
