NCJ Number
130327
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 26-28,31,33-35
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
After discussing the advantages and disadvantages of accreditation for small police departments, this article describes steps in the accreditation procedure undertaken by the New Brighton Police Department (Minnesota).
Abstract
Accreditation involves departmental compliance with standards forged through debate and comment by representatives of police agencies of all sizes. Reasons for a department to become accredited are reduced liability insurance premiums, the development of a state-of-the-art agency, increased pride in agency performance, and improved morale. Reasons for not pursuing accreditation include the cost, the amount of manpower and effort required, and the perception that accreditation is for large departments. After reviewing factors in the cost of accreditation and the history of accreditation, this article details how the New Brighton Police Department organized and proceeded in a successful accreditation endeavor. Steps in the accreditation process include obtaining authorization from appropriate governmental superiors and from agency personnel. Such support is necessary to ensure that the resources and commitment required to obtain accreditation exist. Advice pertinent to the management of the accreditation procedure addresses the selection of an accreditation manager, agency self-assessment, the monitoring of compliance with standards, assessment prior to the official audit, and the official onsite audit.