Weigh In On Re-Accreditation Process That's Underway For HCPD

Ellicott City MD

11 April, 2022

10:41 AM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. will be reviewing the Howard County Police Department to examine all aspects of police policy, procedures, management, operations and support services. As part of the assessment, which occurs every four years, members of the community are invited to offer opinions as well. The police department must comply with more than 400 standards in order to gain re-accreditation status, which is considered a "highly prized recognition" of law enforcement professional excellence. "The Howard County Police Department has been nationally accredited since 1990 and I am proud that we regularly exceed the stringent national standards required to receive re-accreditation," said Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der. "I'm looking forward to another successful, transparent review of all aspects of our agency." A public information session will be conducted on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. The session will be conducted virtually; anyone wishing to give testimony must pre-register using the following link (https://bit.ly/HCPDCALEAsession(link is external)), at least two hours prior to the public hearing. Members of the public who cannot be present at the public information session but would like to provide comments to the assessment team may call 410-313-3259 on April 11 between 2 and 4 p.m. The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies in other states. The assessors will review extensive materials as well as interview agency personnel and external individuals to confirm compliance with all CALEA standards. The assessors are Major Paul Baggett of the Polk County (FL) Sheriff's Office, who is the team leader, and Inspector Daniel Isgett of the Berkeley County (SC) Sheriff's Office. Once the Commission's Assessors complete their review of the Howard County Police Department, they will report back to the full commission, which then decides if the agency is to be granted re-accreditation status. Certification covers four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports and undergo annual reviews demonstrate continued compliance with all required standards.