The purpose of the Community Advisory Panel is to improve trust and strengthen understanding between the Hayward Police Department and Hayward community members by creating a structure and venue for open and honest dialogue on police-community relations in the City.

Selection and Service 

The Panel will be made up of eight to 14 members selected by the Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief from a pool of candidates recommended by the City Council and inclusive of the Hayward community's diverse demographics, perspectives and lived experiences. Membership is open to all City of Hayward residents who are eighteen years or older. 

Applicants will be subject to a basic criminal background check equal to one required for a police ride-along or to volunteer with the city that includes arrests and convictions. Record of an arrest or conviction will not necessarily prevent an individual from being selected for or serving on the Panel. Immigration status will not prevent an individual from being selected for or serving on the Panel and immigration status of applicants and Panel members will not be shared with any other federal law enforcement agency.

Panel members are expected to attend regular quarterly meetings and commit additional time to create and carry out a program of community outreach. The group does not have any decision making authority, but will work to achieve the following goals:

  • Maintain a consistent partnership between the community and law enforcement;
  • Serve to help reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for all residents;
  • Establish goals that can be accomplished through positive and open communications;
  • Assist law enforcement in helping to maintain police standard for accountability;
  • Create processes to help address issues of bias-based policing;
  • Improve interaction between police and residents through education and training; and
  • Strengthen and ensure the application of equal protection under the law for all residents.

Apply to be appointed to the Community Advisory Panel

Interested residents are encouraged to complete and submit to the Office of a City Clerk an application for appointment to the Community Advisory Panel prior to March 15.  Applications are available from the Office of the City Clerk at Hayward City Hall, 777 B Street, online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hpd-community-advisory-panel and by request by calling (510) 583-4400.

Panel Member Expectations

  • Members are required to attend regularly scheduled quarterly meetings and any emergency Community Advisory Panel meetings.
  • Members are required to create and carry out a plan for interacting with their fellow community members to hear their thoughts and get feedback about the Hayward Police Department and its policies to share with the Panel as a whole.
  • Members are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information that is designated as confidential and discussed and/or disclosed during the meetings.
  • Members will be encouraged to attend and participate in major police events (such as swearing-in and promotion ceremonies).
  • Members are encouraged to attend the Hayward Police Department's Community Academy to familiarize themselves with Department operations.

Staff Support

Staff support to the Panel will be provided through the Office of the Chief of Poilce with additional assistance provided from the Office of the City Manager. 

Contact Lieutenant Dan Olsen for more information

Lt. Dan Olsen 
Hayward Police Department 
300 W. Winton Ave
Hyward, CA 94544
(510) 293-5038