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Truckee Police outline decades‑old Chief’s Advisory Committee; members cite scenario training and community connection
Summary
Truckee Police Chief Danny Renfro updated the Town Council on the department’s Chief’s Advisory Committee, a 13‑member volunteer panel that advises the chief, participates in scenario training and helps the department communicate with community groups.
Truckee Police Chief Danny Renfro on June 10 gave the Town Council an update on the department’s Chief’s Advisory Committee, a volunteer body that provides the chief with community input, supports outreach and helps explain police policy to the public.
What the CAC does
Chief Renfro said the CAC was created in 2001 and currently comprises 13 volunteer members drawn from local businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, suicide prevention advocates and media. The committee’s stated roles are advisory — providing feedback on department priorities, serving as a sounding board for strategies, participating in scenario‑based trainings and acting as a conduit to hesitant or underserved community groups.
Training and activities
Chief Renfro and CAC members described scenario‑based training that simulates real incidents to help committee members better understand law‑enforcement roles and constraints. Members said the training improved their ability to interpret police actions and to communicate that context back to the community. The CAC also supported a radio upgrade to enable federal grant funding and provided letters of support for department programs. Guest speakers have included district attorneys, public defenders, health and human services, and emergency preparedness representatives.
Membership, publicity and limits
Renfro said membership is open to Truckee residents and application packets require a non‑fingerprint background check; members commit to one or two‑year terms, attend monthly meetings (about two hours) and maintain confidentiality. The chief emphasized the committee does not investigate active cases, handle disciplinary matters or set policy; its role is advisory, not operational. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and information is posted on the department website.
Public comment
Members of the committee who spoke at the meeting — including representatives from local mental‑health and media organizations — emphasized the CAC’s role in building trust and providing direct lines of communications in the community.
Ending
Council members thanked the chief and CAC members, and several councilors asked staff to continue periodic updates. The department said the CAC has helped both accountability and community engagement and has served as a model for neighboring jurisdictions seeking to create similar advisory boards.
