Council debates future of Citizens Police Advisory Board and refers structure review to committees

The Billings City Council discussed the status and future of the Citizens Police Advisory Board at its March 23 work session, with the police chief and legal counsel urging clarity about appointments and the board’s legal standing.

Chief Rich St. John reminded council that the advisory board facilitates civilian input on policy, recruitment and retention, and that the body was renewed by resolution on Sept. 22, 2025. Council members said they want the operations committee to evaluate the board’s structure and recommend whether to continue, modify or discontinue it; some council members argued for deferral to the operational review process.

Legal counsel advised that the board exists legally and that appointments should be made while council evaluates structural changes because terms had expired and members continue to show up. Council directed that the matter be taken to the committee on committees and then to the operations committee for review; the council also discussed timing for any formal resolution to discontinue or modify the board.

Next steps: committees will review the board’s structure and return recommendations to council; staff will confirm the board’s current legal status and outstanding appointment needs so the council remains in compliance with city code or prior resolutions.