Scottsdale Police seeks public comment for accreditation
Posted 9/29/21
A team of assessors from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program will be on-site Oct. 6-7, to examine all aspects of the Scottsdale Police Department policies and procedures, management, …
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A team of assessors from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program will be on-site Oct. 6-7, to examine all aspects of the Scottsdale Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Scottsdale Police Department meets the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” said Police Chief Jeff Walther.
The Scottsdale Police Department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1994, according to a press release. The department must comply with 44 standards in order to achieve ALEAP accredited status.
“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” said Walther.
The Accreditation Program Manager for ALEAP is Kevin E. Rhea.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Arizona law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” said Rhea.
Accreditation is valid for a four-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP), is the accrediting agency in the state of Arizona.
As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 480-312-1985 on Wednesday, Oct. 6, between the hours of 1-2 p.m.
Email comments can be sent to kevin.rhea@azchiefsofpolice.org.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards.
A copy of the standards are available for inspection at the Scottsdale Police Department Headquarters 8401 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Contact Strategic Initiatives Dir. Cassie Johnson, at 480-312-1971 or cajohnson@scottsdaleaz.gov.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Scottsdale Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Manager at kevin.rhea@azchiefsofpolice.org or write the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program at 75 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 48296.
For more information regarding the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, visit azchiefsofpolice.org.
