Chief: process helps improve service to citizens

For the fifth time in a row, the Peachtree City Police Department has earned its national accreditation.

Although the process is rigorous, it helps improve police services for Peachtree City residents, said Police Chief James Murray.

The accreditation comes from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, which spends several days in an on-site visit, reviewing a host of requirements that must be met for the department to be reaccredited.

Because of its accomplishments during the review, the department was named one of CALEA’s “flagship” agencies.

Many of CALEA’s requirements are tied to the department’s policies and procedures in various matters such as investigations, internal affairs, administrative/support services. The department must meet 291 mandatory standards and 80 percent of 105 non-mandatory standards to maintain its accredited status.

Murray credited Capt. Rosanna Dove, the department’s accreditation manager, and Maj. Mike DuPree, who began the initial accreditation process, for helping in the effort.

“It takes a commitment from everyone,” Murray said of the department’s work towards the accreditation process.

The accreditation period lasts for three years, after which the city must re-apply to be reviewed for another accreditation from CALEA.