JPD continuing to seek public feedback on accreditation

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Members of the community are encouraged to offer their comments about the Johnston Police Department’s review for national accreditation during a public information session to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15, at the Johnston Municipal Court.

The hearing will provide interested citizens an opportunity to address an assessment team concerning all aspects of the town’s police department.

“We encourage and look forward to members of the community providing us with feedback at this public comment session,” Johnston Police Chief Joseph Razza said. “This level of transparency will allow the dedicated men and women of the Johnston Police Department the ability to provide our citizens with a higher level of dedication and police services to the community we proudly serve.”

The Johnston Police Department earned state accreditation in 2015, followed by accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), a national accrediting body, in 2017. CALEA accreditation remains in effect for four years.

CALEA is a credentialing authority composed of associations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum.

Accreditation from the commission is highly sought after by police departments across the country. It is a continuous process and requires all department files to remain updated and ready for annual compliance reviews.

“Accreditation is a voluntary self-assessment and management tool that holds police departments accountable for established, industry recognized, standards of best practice,” Capt. Matthew Benson said. “I am extremely proud of the commitment our town’s leadership has made to this process while recognizing the value of accreditation and how it positively impacts the community.”

Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed during the hearing. Public comments addressing the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards are limited to 10 minutes per person.

Those who cannot attend the public information session, but would like to provide feedback may do so by phone at 401-680-2136 on Tuesday, March 16 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., or by writing to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155.

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