The Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) was established in 2020 as an independent body to provide a single point of entry for individuals with concerns or complaints related to the Boston Police Department (the “BPD”) sworn and civilian personnel to be heard and responded to. OPAT consists of an administrative staff and three boards comprised of community members appointed by the Mayor of Boston to achieve its goals. In addition, OPAT reviews and makes recommendations on BPD rules and policies and generates public reports on OPAT’s work and BPD activity.
Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, the Community Engagement Coordinator will develop outreach strategies to engage diverse community groups, build relationships with organizations, facilitate communication between police and community members, organize events and workshops, collect feedback, advocate for community concerns, monitor police-community relations, collaborate with stakeholders, and evaluate engagement efforts.
The Community Engagement Coordinator will work to strengthen community involvement with OPAT's Community Mediator and Executive Assistant. They will collaborate on joint outreach events, social media campaigns, and workshops to raise awareness of OPAT's role and encourage youth participation in discussions about policing. Additionally, they will visit schools and community centers and support youth-focused initiatives to promote positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. By combining resources and expertise, they can enhance outreach efforts, build stronger connections with youth communities, and promote transparency and dialogue in policing practices.
The Community Engagement Coordinator will help build a strong connection between the police and the community. This role involves organizing and facilitating regular town hall meetings, community forums, and listening sessions to promote open dialogue and address community concerns. The Coordinator will also lead community policing initiatives and collaborate with local organizations to integrate officers into neighborhoods. Effective use of social media and other communication channels is essential to ensure transparency and keep the public informed about our efforts and outcomes. The ultimate goal is to build trust and improve community relations, understanding of OPAT, and create a cooperative environment for shared goals of safety and accountability.
BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED
Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-4
Hours per week: 35