(RICHMOND) – The Richmond Police Department this week was presented the Accredited Law Enforcement Agency Award by Hedwig Village Chief of Police David Gott on behalf of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. The Richmond Police Department received the award on Jan. 6.
Begun in 2006, the Accreditation Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with 173 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights.
These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations. There are roughly 2800 policing agencies in the State of Texas, 203 having received Accreditation status. Fewer than that have received Re-Accreditation multiple times.
“It is an honor to achieve Accreditation status, this award reaffirms the police department’s commitment to professional policing services for our community," said Police Chief Jeff Craig. "I’m proud of the men and women of the department whose dedication and commitment made this possible."
The Richmond Police Department was originally Accredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program in August of 2011. Police agencies Accredited by the TPCA must undergo a rigorous onsite inspection every fourth year. The on-site review was conducted by trained police chiefs from other areas of Texas. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Accreditation Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Accredited” status.
This marks the fourth successful onsite inspection by the Richmond Police Department, placing the Richmond Police Department among an elite number of law enforcement agencies with multiple repeat accreditation accomplishments.
The department will also be recognized as Accredited at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual state conference at the end of March.
More information and a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org.
