Fort Worth Police Chief Proposes Forming His Own Community Advisory Board

Fort Worth, Texas. On Tuesday, the Fort Worth City Council considered a new proposal by Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes.

During a working meeting, Noakes proposed his idea for a public advisory board.

“That’s how we hope to build trust … by being accountable,” Noakes said.

The chief’s proposal came several months after the council rejected the idea of ​​a police advisory board.

“We believe that the group we are assembling, made up of diverse and knowledgeable citizens, will be able to deliver what is needed,” Noakes said.

But several board members have questions.

According to Noakes’ proposal, he must choose the members of the community who will serve on the board. On Tuesday, he revealed the names of the 13 members he has already selected. His proposal allows for a board of up to 19 members.

Several council members, including Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck and Gina Bivens, disagreed with the proposal. They argued that such a board should operate independently of the police.

“[Under this proposal] It’s more than collaboration, it’s working behind closed doors, and that’s what we don’t want,” Nettle said.

“The fact that PD picks them regardless of who is on it casts a shadow on this particular board,” Beck said.

Nettles said the proposed council should include young members of the community between the ages of 25 and 30, and Mayor Matty Parker agreed.

During a board of public comment meeting Tuesday night, Fort Worth resident Bishop Kirkland spoke out against the leader’s proposal.

“The Chief’s Advisory Council is not what your constituents asked for,” Kirkland said. “Don’t ask us what we want, then when we come you will tell us what we need.”

Mayor Matty Parker suspended discussion on the issue on Tuesday and said they would continue discussing the topic later.

“This is probably one of the most difficult conversations we’ve had as a council. This is probably the most contentious issue we face, especially on high ground,” said Parker. “I’m obviously open to developing this conversation.”

This is a conversation that is far from over.