In
1986 a planning committee was formed to explore the possibility of a
state accreditation program. Representatives from the State
Chiefs Association, The State Sheriffs Association and the Division of
Criminal Justice Services served on this committee. In 1987
enabling legislation was introduced in the State Senate and Assembly
and the bill was signed into law in 1988. In 1989 the New York
State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council met for the first time and
the program became fully operational in December.
Accreditation
is a progressive and contemporary way of helping police agencies
evaluate and improve their overall performance. It provides formal
recognition that an organization meets or exceeds general expectations
of quality in the field. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation
of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.
The New
York State Accreditation program has four principle goals:
-
To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of law
enforcement agencies utilizing existing personnel, equipment and
facilities to the extent possible;
-
To promote increased cooperation and coordination
among law enforcement agencies and other agencies of the criminal
justice services;
-
To ensure the appropriate training of law
enforcement personnel; and
-
To promote public confidence.
The Accreditation Program
is comprised of 132 standards and is divided into three categories.
Standards in the Administrative section have provisions for such topics
as agency organization, fiscal management, personnel practices, and
records. Training standards encompass basic and in-service instruction,
as well as training for supervisors and specialized or technical
assignments. Operations standards deal with such critical and litigious
topics as high-speed pursuits, roadblocks, patrol, and unusual
occurrences.
The
Rotterdam Police Department was initially accredited in 2001 under
Chief James
J. Hamilton. The Department completed its
re-accreditation in 2006.
