HomeMy WebLinkAboutLtr_City of SLO_PACT Input re New Police ChiefGALA
PRIDE
DIVERSITY CENTER
Heidi Harmon
Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
hharmon(a)csiocity.org
September 23, 2020
RE: Request to Provide Input — Hiring Process of Next Chief of Police
Dear Mayor Harmon:
I write this letter on behalf of The Gala Pride and Diversity Center, a member of the SLO City
Police and Community Team (PACT). As I am sure you are aware, outgoing Police Chief Deanna
Cantrell initiated the PACT approximately four years ago, in order to improve communication
between the SLO City Police Department and the community it serves. I personally have served
on the PACT since its beginning, first as Chair of Tranz Central Coast and the Growing Together
Fund (Community Foundation -San Luis Obispo County), then as a board member and now as
2020 Board president of The Gala Pride and Diversity Center.
I firmly believe the experience has been educational on both sides of the equation. PACT
members have learned a great deal about the police experience, bad and good. The Police
Department has also learned from the community (I was asked and provided transgender
training to all members of the police department a few years ago) about what it takes to earn the
trust of especially our marginalized communities.
While PACT members have not always agreed with Chief Cantrell, and vice versa, there has
always been an open line of communication to express important views and educate one
another. In order to retain that line of communication and also strengthen it going forward, I write
this letter requesting that the PACT be permitted to be a part of the hiring process for the next
chief of police. I realize that the City's administration will need to be a part of the discussion and
agreement as to the form of that participation. I would be honored to be a part of that discussion.
Thank you in advance for your attention and consideration to this request. I would appreciate
hearing from you, preferably before the new job opening is announced so that the PACT might
have an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed job description.
Sincerely,
2020 Bo;Prd President
He/him/his
1060 Palm Street I San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 805.541.4252 www.galacc.org