The Select Board voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to accept the Police Community Advisory Committee’s (PCAC) annual report and heard follow‑up questions from board members about the committee’s workload and data.

“I'd like to agree with the chair. It is an excellent report,” Select Board member Michael Rubinstein said before asking detailed questions about civilian feedback data and committee plans. The motion to accept the report passed by roll call (John VanScolia: aye; Paul Warren: aye; David Perlman: aye; Michael Rubinstein: aye; Chair Bernard Green: aye).

Rubinstein asked whether the civilian feedback survey yields a dataset that is large enough to be statistically significant. PCAC co‑chair Paul Yi said the committee has recorded 59 total responses since the survey began in 2021 and that recent reporting shows smaller counts (the committee indicated 6 responses in the most recent 12‑month period).

PCAC plans described: Paul Yi told the board the PCAC is considering new responsibilities including (1) identifying a neutral resource person for civilian complainants (possibly someone in the Office of Diversity or a non‑patrol police staff member) and (2) making formal budgetary requests for resources to support the committee’s work. Yi said the PCAC had not yet decided through which department it would submit formal budget requests but planned to do so after internal discussion.

Board response and next steps: Board members encouraged the PCAC to work through the departments that prepare budgets so any resource requests can be championed during FY27 budget preparation. Select Board members also suggested the committee present in person to the full board in the next year for broader interaction rather than appearing only via a written report.

Vote: The Select Board accepted transmittal of the PCAC annual report (vote recorded as unanimous).