FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police Department awarded with Meritorious Advanced Accreditation for Law Enforcement with Excellence
(POWELL, Ohio)—March 27, 2017—The Powell Police Department has been an accredited police agency since 2002 through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
In 2016, the Police Department went through the Gold Standard assessment and was awarded with the Meritorious Advanced Accreditation for Law Enforcement with Excellence during CALEA’s conference on Saturday, March 25.
“Above all is the clear and defining commitment to the community,” according to a report from CALEA. “From the Chief down to the newest member of the organization, the dedication to the people and the business of the City of Powell is the highest priority. Through direct law enforcement service in the field, good stewardship of resources and involvement in community civic ventures, the city should be very proud of its police force.”
A team of assessors reviewed police policies and procedures as well as invited the community to provide feedback on the Police Department as part of the accreditation process. Verification by the team that the Police Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation.
Being an accredited police agency assists in strengthening crime prevention, formalizing essential management procedures, establishing fair personnel practices, improving service delivery, solidifying interagency cooperation and increasing community confidence in the agency.
In addition to receiving the Meritorious Advanced Accreditation for Law Enforcement with Excellence during CALEA’s conference, Police Chief Gary Vest was awarded the Egon Bittner Award. This award is presented to police chiefs who have commanded a CALEA accredited agency for 15 or more continuous years. It was created to recognize these leaders for their significant contributions to the public safety profession and to CALEA.
###
