Accreditation

Accreditation is a time-proven way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. The cornerstone of this strategy lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating administrators then conduct a thorough analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When the procedures are in place, a team of independent professionals is assigned to verify that all applicable standards have been successfully implemented. The process culminates with a decision by an authoritative body that the institution is worthy of accreditation.

Accreditation provides formal recognition that an institution meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. In essence, accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

The Accreditation Council has now identified 110 standards divided into three categories. Standards in the Administration 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.

Public scrutiny and expectations of police operations have never been greater. Special effort is needed to maintain the public’s confidence, and accreditation sends a positive message that officials are committed to providing services of the highest quality. The Accreditation Program offers specific standards in the areas of community relations and public information to guarantee that clear lines of communication exist between law enforcement and citizens in the community.

The Rome Police Department began the process to achieve New York State Accreditation in 1990. On September 23, 24, and 25, 2003, an Accreditation Assessment was conducted for the City of Rome Police Department. It was unanimously recommended that the Department be favorably considered for accreditation. On December 16, 2003, a formal ceremony was held at Rome City Hall where New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Deputy Director James R. DeLapp presented the Rome Police Department with an official Certificate of Accreditation.

Currently, Program Manager, Lt. Josef Hall, along with Det. Silverman oversee the maintenance and updating of the file folders, which is performed on a continual, on-going basis. When new policies are developed or existing policies are amended, the Program Manager ensures that the policy meets program requirements and accreditation standards. The Program Manager ensures that the Chief of Police approves such changes.

It is anticipated that the Accreditation Program will continue to grow and have an even greater impact in the years ahead.