Mayor's Task Force on Re-Imagining Public Safety
The Mayor's Task Force on Re-imagining Public Safety was formed in November 2020 to determine whether the town should have a standing advisory board on public safety and what it should look like. The task force's duration is time limited. Its charge initially was expected to be completed within six months.
In June 2020, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners passed a resolution denouncing the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and outlining next steps for the Town of Hillsborough and its police department, including forming an advisory board on policing. Discussion among board members and input from the community showed the Hillsborough community wished to examine not just policing but also the idea of public safety.
This task force is determining what a standing advisory board on public safety would and should look like in Hillsborough. Members are putting their efforts into performing research and providing subject matter expertise to consider questions such as:
- What does a community look and feel like that is safe for all residents?
- In making our community safe, what should be considered by parts of town government in addition to the police?
- What standing public safety board models are available to consider, and what is the best fit for Hillsborough?
Output from the task force will become an authoritative source of information used to establish Hillsborough’s vision for policing and public safety going forward.
The task force is expected to:
- Assess and determine a model for a community safety review board appropriate for the Hillsborough community in terms of charge, appointment, and composition, within the confines of local and state law. This may include issues beyond law enforcement.
- Make recommendations to the town manager and board.
Reports and slides from presentations given during the meetings are available below. Presentations excerpted from the video recordings of the meetings are available in the videos section below. The meetings are available for viewing in their entirety on the town's YouTube channel.
Crisis Intervention Response Information from Hillsborough Police Department: Jan. 14, 2021
Demographics of Police Interactions Information from Hillsborough Police Department: April 6, 2021
Mayor's Presentation on Police Oversight Model: May 13, 2021
Task Force Questions for Police Chief: February 11, 2021
Traffic Stop Presentation Slides from Frank Baumgartner: March 11, 2021
Traffic Stop Report by Hillsborough Police Department: March 8, 2021
Use of Force Presentation Slides from Hillsborough Police Department: May 13, 2021

Board Discussion: April 25,2022

Board Discussion: Aug. 29, 2022

Board of Commisisoners Discussion: March 14, 2022

Board of Commissioners Discussion: Feb. 28, 2022

Crisis Intervention Response Discussion: Jan. 14, 2021

Demographics of Police Interactions Information and Discussion: April 8, 2021

Overview of Policing Presentation and Discussion: Feb. 11, 2021

Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops Presentation and Discussion: March 11, 2021

Use of Force Presentation and Discussion: May 13, 2021
The task force has 10 to 15 members with 5 designated seats:
- Mayor (non-voting member, except in a tie)
- Youth (15 to 18 years old)
- Social worker or worker in closely related field
- Member of the Northern Orange Branch of the NAACP and Hillsborough resident
- Member of the judicial system
Some of the designated seats are directly appointed, and others were chosen from the pool of applicants.
The task force is representative of Hillsborough, including geographically. The following were strongly encouraged to apply:
- Residents of diverse backgrounds, including race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age.
- Residents who have experienced the criminal justice system or have family members who have experienced it.
- Residents who have experience in healthcare and social work.
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Judit Alvarado
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Sujata Bijou
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Shannon Blue
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Keith Cook
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Patricia Harrison
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Chloe Johnson
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Rod Jones
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Jason Knapp
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Tracey Little
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Hathaway Pendergrass
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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David “Hooper” Schultz
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Marc Xavier
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
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Allison Zirkel
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2021
No meetings are currently scheduled.
Agendas and meeting documents for appointed boards are generally added a few days prior to the meeting. Minutes for appointed boards are available through the town's online archive.
The Town of Hillsborough does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. See the Americans with Disabilities Act Policy webpage for more information.