Police Citizen Advisory Board

Meetings

The first meeting of the City of Bartow Police Department will be held at 6pm on Feb. 6, 2026 in the Commission Chambers at Bartow City Hall, 450 N Wilson Ave. The vision is to have the Board meet quarterly. More information about the exact schedule will be available after the Board completes its first meeting.

Background

The City of Bartow Police Department has selected seven individuals to serve on a newly created Bartow Police Citizen Advisory Board. Following the announcement of the formation of the Board in November 2025, the City solicited applications for approximately one month. In accordance with Florida Statute 166.0486, which governs the establishment of such boards, Police Chief Stephen Walker selected seven individuals - six citizens, as well as a retired Lakeland Police Officer – to serve as the first members of Citizen Advisory Board. 

Overview

The Bartow Police Citizen Advisory Board was created to assist in building positive relationships between citizens in the Bartow community and law enforcement officers. To achieve this mission, the Board will support an interactive process in which the concerns of citizens and the police department can be discussed, in order to enhance the partnership between the citizens and the police and improve the overall quality of life within the City of Bartow.

The board will review and provide understanding of Department Policies and Procedures as well as past police/citizen interactions, explore new programs and processes, and assist in building community understanding and support for the Department. The Board also will provide insight into the community’s needs or concerns.

Per the State Statute, the Board does not have the authority to investigate, review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police-related incidents.

Members

Members of the Bartow Police Citizen Advisory Board will serve two-year terms, with a maximum of eight years, and each member shall serve until a successor is duly appointed and qualified. The members are not required to file an annual Statement of Financial Interests. There is no special education or training to hold a position on this board, although members are encouraged to attend the Citizen’s Police Academy. Membrs receive no remuneration for their service.