The Bellingham Police Department has historically embraced a strong community policing philosophy. This philosophy has emphasized efforts that support fair and impartial policing practices, transparency in service delivery, and participation in neighborhood activities that strengthen the relationships between our department and the citizens we serve.
As part of our efforts to build strong, positive community relationships, the Chief’s office has historically called upon community members to act as an advisory council regarding organizational policies, practices, and programs. Although inactive for several years, the Chief’s Advisory Council (CAC) was reinstated in early 2013.
The council’s primary purpose is to provide the Police Chief with a diverse community perspective regarding crime, community safety, neighborhood issues, current/future technologies, and how the police department can improve core service delivery. Similarly, each member acts as a liaison between their community/profession and the police department.
The current CAC is comprised of the following members who meet monthly:
- Teresa Quinn – Chair of the Chief’s Advisory Council
- William Polk – PeaceHealth NWN Security Manager
- Skip Williams – Bellingham City Council Member
- Al Jensen – Retired BPD Detective
- Byron Sprague – Banking & Retail Automotive Executive (Ret.)
- Grant Fishbook – Faith-based Community Liaison
- Ted Pratt, Jr. – Higher Education (Ret.)
- Dr. Janis Velasquez Farmer – Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Bellingham School District
- Randy Fredlund – People’s Bank Compliance and Security Officer
- Justin Ericksen – Educator at Whatcom Community College
Although the CAC does not formally review critical incidents involving Bellingham Police Officers, the members are briefed on such incidents as well as evolving crime trends within the city. More importantly, council members are encouraged to discuss issues of interest or concern from specific community interest groups with the Chief and his Command Staff.
The CAC was involved in the department’s update to its Mission Statement, Organizational Vision, and Values, and developing a new department employee performance and evaluation tool.
