COLUMBUS – Hundreds of different facets of how the Columbus Division of Police operates will get a thorough going-over this month as part of a recurring accreditation process that is intended to improve procedures and provide accountability.
A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will evaluate over 400 division standards, including policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services, from March 27 – 30, as part of the re-accreditation process which occurs every three years, division spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner said.
CPD INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT: Let your voice be heard: Public info session Tuesday, March 28th 7pm, CPD Police Academyhttps://t.co/V58LPj6Nfo pic.twitter.com/48JR5suQKx
— Columbus Division of Police (@ColumbusPolice) March 6, 2017
Agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a Public Information Session (Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 pm., James G. Jackson Columbus Division of Police Training Academy, 1000 N. Hague Avenue)
Anyone who cannot speak at the public information session may call 614-645-4095 on March 29 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Written comments: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155.
Columbus has been certified by CALEA since 1999.
The organization’s standards are based upon best practices in law enforcement and are frequently updated and a directive posted on the division website says that “adhering to these high standards ensures continual operation in the most professional manner possible.”
A copy of the standards is available in the Columbus Division of Police Accreditation Unit located on the 8th floor of Central Police Headquarters, 120 Marconi Boulevard.
The assessment team of two people, from police departments in St. Louis County, Mo., and Fairport, N.Y., will review records, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed, Weiner said.
Once they complete their review, the findings will be reported to the full commission, which will decide if the division is to be granted re-accredited status. Accreditation is granted for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with the standards, Weiner said.