BOISE — Last year, the Boise Police Department formed a Community Advisory Panel to help improve the relationship between the police department and various diverse population groups in the city.
Now, Chief Bill Bones has expanded that effort with the formation of a four-member Community Advisory Outreach Panel.
“Both panels (will now) serve as a resource for the Chief in the formation of strategies, development of community policing concepts, improvement of public services, and building public trust,” according to a BPD news release.
“The City of Boise is made up of a diverse and unique population and it’s our hope that we can find new ways to connect and build trust with everyone who calls Boise home,” Bones said. “Through this panel, we hope to explore new opportunities for our department and our residents.”
Bones received input regarding a number of candidates for the panel; currently, there are four panel members who are meeting monthly with the Chief and other BPD leaders.
“We want our police department to be a reflection of the community we serve,” said Bones. “Through additional input and partnerships, we hope to expand the public safety services we provide to the people of Boise.”
Panel participants include:
Leta Harris Neustaedter
Neustaedter has lived in Idaho most of her life, attending Boise and Middleton schools from elementary through graduate school. She has written about issues of racism for the Boise Weekly, helped organize Black Lives Matter rallies, and facilitated a Community Forum on race and policing. She is a member of the “We Choose All of Us” coalition to amplify voices of the marginalized communities, and is a mentor and advocate for youth of color through her company Metamorphosis Performing Arts Studio.
Liz Mummey
Mummey has lived in the Boise Valley with her family since 1980. She has been a long-time advocate and volunteer for Native American families living in or near Boise. Liz and her husband, Ron, have been affiliated with the Native American Coalition of Boise (NACOB) for thirty years. NACOB is a non-profit organization focused on providing outreach and social events for Native American community members living in the Treasure Valley.
Peter Vasquez
President and founder of Second Chance Grace, Vasquez has firsthand knowledge of gangs, prison, substance abuse and a criminal lifestyle. Armed with this knowledge, Vasquez has dedicated his life to helping at-risk youth and young adults.
Second Chance Grace Inc., a non-profit organization, strives to give hope to at-risk youth and young adults so they can lead purposeful, productive, and positive lives. By providing encouraging role models, spiritual guidance, raising awareness, and tattoo removal, SCG works to facilitate change, growth, and progress.
Reshma Kamal
Director of Humanitarian and Refugee at the Islamic Center of Boise, Reshma grew up working at the grassroots level with people of varying faith and co-existing together. She allies with GLocal Community Partners and Social Integration team to support Boise Refugee community and bring about social changes in human interactions with local projects. As part of “Seek the Peace” initiative, she works as a peacemaker to bring about an understanding on issues impacting the Muslim community.
