Frequently Asked Questions
 |
Q. Why was PARC created?
A. Recognizing that the new field of police oversight needed a resource center to help define its scope, advance best practices, and spur innovation, the Vera Institute of Justice created PARC with a generous grant from the Ford Foundation. A non-profit organization based in New York City, Vera works closely with government leaders in the United States and internationally to improve the services people rely on for safety and justice. For 45 years, the Institute has been developing innovative, affordable programs like PARC that work with government to make public services more effective and more just.
Together with founding director Merrick Bobb, the first police monitor in the nation, Vera established PARC in 2001 as a separate non-profit corporation, with its own board and leadership.
Back To Top
| |
Q. What functions does PARC perform as a national resource center?
A. Police oversight is a rapidly developing field, affecting police departments and the communities they serve. Long-standing internal affairs units are changing to meet public demand for greater accountability. Police departments are creating specialized risk management bureaus. Police commissions, civilian review agencies, and inspectors general are growing in number and taking on more authority. And “pattern or practice” lawsuits are breeding a new form of external oversight: independent monitoring. As this field grows, PARC assists all interested constituencies to promote better police accountability.
Back To Top
| |
Q. How is PARC funded?
A. PARC is funded in a variety of ways. It receives support from private foundations, particularly the Ford Foundation, which provided start-up funding for the organization. PARC also receives governmental grants for research and other projects. In addition to foundation and governmental grants, PARC generates income through fees charged to jurisdictions and agencies that employ PARC. Because PARC is a non-profit organization, its fees are moderate and reasonable.
Back To Top
| |
Q. How can I sign up for PARC’s free e-newsletter?
A. To sign up for PARC’s newsletter, the Police Practices Review, go to the home page and click on the "register" button in the left margin.
Back To Top
| |
Q. Can PARC come to my city and help?
A. If you would like information about PARC Services, please contact Executive Director Merrick Bobb (merrickbobb@parc.info).
Back To Top
| |
Q. Where should I send inquiries?
A. Inquiries may be sent by e-mail to information@parc.info; by facsimile to
(213) 623-5959; and by mail to PARC, Information Request, 520 S. Grand Ave.,
Suite 1070, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
Back To Top
|
|