Burbank police commission votes to pursue branding, guidelines and resources for community outreach

The Burbank Police Commission voted to move forward with a plan to improve community engagement that includes simple branding, charter-defined boundaries for commissioner outreach, access to ancillary equipment (tents, tables, handouts) and a planning mechanism such as a secretary-maintained events calendar.

Commissioner James laid out the proposal, saying the commission’s purpose in outreach is threefold: "listen and bring back information; direct people to appropriate services if it's not us; and represent the community at commission meetings." He recommended four needs: branding, clear parameters rooted in the city charter, ancillary equipment for events, and a mechanism to plan participation in advance.

Several commissioners and a staff member cautioned the commission to avoid blurring its neutral, advisory role with advocacy for the department. "As soon as we come across as cheerleaders ... we've lost our objectivity," one commissioner warned. Staff counsel urged the commission to define clear boundaries and be prepared to explain the purpose behind any branding when seeking council resources.

Members amended the motion to request 'resources' from the city council and the Burbank Police Department rather than immediate funding; speakers said they would first try to use existing department materials. The maker of the motion volunteered to follow up with counsel and liaisons to pursue implementation steps.

Commissioners also discussed tactics to boost attendance at meetings and events: predictable monthly 'affinity' topics, using city social media to advertise upcoming agenda items, staffing booths at community events, and assigning volunteers or commissioners to cover local events in a coordinated way. The commission voted in favor of the motion as amended and agreed to return with implementation details.