Chief Douglas Grimes
The following benefits
are a direct result
of Accreditation:
Chief Tom Ogden (left) with Chief Grimes
• Establishes a credible framework for
evaluating agency practices and
procedures
• Reduces agency risk and exposure
to lawsuits
State Senator Pam Iovino (left) and Chief Grimes
• Decreases some liability insurance
expenditures
(l to r): Chief Tom Ogden, Chief Grimes and
2019 Council Chairman Frank Kosir, Jr.
“This was an important step in ensuring the PTPD is providing a professional
police department consistent with national standards and best practices,” says Chief
Grimes. “The immediate effect of accreditation tends to be more of an internal change.
That said, the long term impact of accreditation results in a more professional police
department and an improved public image. The entire process lends a greater degree of
transparency, accountability and professionalism to the policy and procedures of the
police department. Ultimately, those systems and procedures impact the public through
the application of best practices, a greater emphasis on training, improved utilization
of technology, and professional development of our officers. Accreditation guides
police departments in the proper use of records management and proper collection of
standards of proof that demonstrate compliance with best practices in policing.”
Accreditation status remains valid for a three-year period with annual reports
required. The PTPD anticipates various benefits including a potential insurance savings,
stronger community relations and increased employee input, interaction and confidence
in the agency.
Approximately 300 departments applied for accreditation, but only 117 out of 1,100
departments in PA have attained accreditation. Peters Township now counts itself among
that elite number. This demonstrates the commitment of the Peters Township Council,
Peters Township Management and the Peters Township Police Department to provide
police services in an efficient and effective manner.
“The Peters Township Council is very proud of our Police Department’s receipt of this
accreditation,” says 2019 Council Chariman Frank Kosir, Jr. “Chief Grimes, Captain Ford
and all who assisted in achieving this high honor deserve unbridled accolades.”
“The Peters Township Community is an affluent professional community that
deserve the same from their police department,” says Grimes. “This effort demonstrates
our commitment to providing the best police services possible, supported by the
applications of consistent standards and continued development of our approach to
providing public safety.”
PTPD intends to take part in re-accreditation assessments every three years, and
to maintain this standard throughout with the continued assessment of training,
professional development, and consistent review of policies and procedures.
For more information, visit pachiefs.org/accreditation. n
• Improves law enforcement –
community relations
• Increases employee input, interaction
and confidence in the agency
• Enlarges the outlook and viewpoints of
managers, officers and employees
• Identifies and highlights the capabilities
and competence of the agency
• Furnishes a solid foundation for the
agency to build upon for
further progress
• Provides reliable methods to improve
essential management procedures
• Extends agency accountability to the
public and elected officials
• Enhances planning and innovative
activities by all agency personnel
• Develops improved methods for
providing services to the community
• Encourages problem-solving activities
within the agency
PETERS TOWNSHIP
❘
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
39