The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) awarded accreditation to the Kent Police Department on Nov. 18 following a year long process of policy manual updates and operational review.
The purpose of law enforcement agency accreditation is to professionalize the industry by providing a review process for agencies to be certified as operating under industry best practices and standards, according to a Kent Police media release.
Law enforcement agencies seeking state accreditation must gain compliance with 150 standards addressing major areas to include use of force, records management, information technology, patrol and investigation functions, evidence and property control and training. In July, Kent Police hosted an onsite visit from a WASPC assessment team who reviewed files, conducted inspections and employee interviews. Following the onsite visit, WASPC accreditation commissioners granted Kent Police accredited status.
“State accreditation is an important milestone for our police department,” said Chief Ken Thomas. “It conveys the work we do meets the highest of standards set forth by Washington state. I am proud of the work the men and women of this police department do every day and being accredited through WASPC acknowledges the transparency and professionalism exhibited by our personnel.”
The Kent Police Department previously received national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) starting in 1996. While maintaining national accreditation, Kent Police transitioned to WASPC state accreditation to be more responsive to state legislation and local changes and needs.
WASPC Accreditation is effective for four years at which time Kent Police will undergo another onsite assessment team visit to ensure accreditation status remains.
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