By 
September 9, 2025
For more than 15 years, Vicki Guerrieri dedicated her time and heart to the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC), a civilian board created to foster trust between residents and the Huntsville Police Department (HPD). The council educates the public on police policies, training and community engagement while giving residents a seat at the table to advise and provide feedback.
As one of its founding members now departing from the council, Guerrieri has witnessed the evolution of community-police relations in Huntsville firsthand. Her perspective blends civic passion, longtime advisory and a deep respect for the humanity of law enforcement.
Building a Bridge Between Residents and Police
Guerrieri’s story begins in her own neighborhood.
“I was a civic association volunteer concerned about neighborhood safety – speeding, theft of property, etc.,” Guerrieri said.
That concern led her to meet with city leaders to learn more about HPD resources.
A public incident that sparked outcry soon prompted the creation of the civilian advisory council in 2010, bringing together residents with varied backgrounds. Appointed by District 3 Council Member Sandra Moon, Guerrieri was eager to help shape the council’s work.
“I was excited to be part of a new council that could advise the police by first gaining a better understanding of policing and public perception,” Guerrieri said.
Over the next 12 weeks, the council received training on everything from recruitment to use of force, forming bonds that helped turn relative strangers into a force for positive change.
Lasting Contributions and Community Impact
Looking back on the HPCAC’s impact, Guerrieri points to relationships at the foundation of their success.
“Relationships between residents and police have seen an ongoing understanding of why police do what they do,” Guerrieri said.
The HPCAC hosts public meetings across each district throughout the year, providing educational opportunities and an open forum for questions.
Over the years, Guerrieri has also been proud of the council for championing initiatives that had a lasting effect: body-worn cameras, Tasers and expanded training to respond to mental health crisis calls.
“The body-worn cameras have proven invaluable in resolving internal affairs complaints,” Guerrieri said, while mental health training has “definitely saved lives and protected innocent bystanders.”
One of the council’s biggest legacies, the Citizens Police Academy, continues to give residents an up-close look for residents to learn how HPD operates.
Lessons, Pride and Moving Forward
Over 15 years, Guerrieri has gained a deep appreciation for the human side of policing.
“Police officers are like any other human,” Guerrieri said. “They have good and bad days. They’re human – that’s what people forget.”
She has seen HPD officers build trust in the community – from school resource officers connecting with students to community relations officers attending civic meetings, and large events like HPD’s and Parks & Rec’s Halloween Party that bring residents and officers together.
But for Guerrieri, it’s bigger than policies or programs. She hopes both the HPCAC, and the community, remember that keeping Huntsville safe is a shared responsibility.
“When we work together, we make our city stronger,” Guerrieri said. “That’s the legacy I hope we leave.”
