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Accreditation is the on-going process whereby agencies evaluate policy and procedure against established criteria, and have compliance with that criteria verified by an independent and authoritative body. The criteria, or standards, are policy development guidelines that represent a level of quality service delivery. To satisfy the requirement for accredited status, the department had to comply with 210 individual standards that addressed every level and sector of police operations and responsibility.
A Standards/Crime Prevention Sergeant was designated to coordinate and manage the in-depth process of achieving accreditation. The Sergeant had previously completed training as an accreditation manager under the Virginia program for accreditation. He was also responsible for the revision of the Policies and Procedures Manual of the department. The revision was completed in March 1997 after a comprehensive research and implementation endeavor.
In order to achieve accredited status, it was necessary for the department to develop a file management system that specifically addressed every component of the police department to include patrol operations, communications, investigations, and administrative management. Within each topical file, written proofs of compliance were required, as well as other collateral documentation that would indicate the performance of the mandated practice. Numerous policies and practices were initiated which supported the concept of "best level of service". Changes were effected in a variety of areas, some of which included evidentiary receipt and storage, processing of persons, and patrol deployment. The most demanding facet of the process, however, was found in an on-site assessment of the department by an independent V.L.E.P.S.C. team of specially trained law enforcement professionals. The team conducted the formal assessment on August 11-12, 1997. The team reviewed every file that pertained to the fulfillment of standards and conducted ride-along tours with officers and on-the-spot inquiries of personnel to determine compliance. The assessment was completed in record time with the department earning a superior rating.
A certificate of accreditation was presented on October 14, 1997, at the Salem Civic Center. The Salem Police Department was recognized as the first municipal police agency to complete the state accreditation program. The results of achieving and maintaining the status of accreditation will be most beneficial to the citizens and guests of the City of Salem. Persons may rest comfortably in the knowledge that their police department identifies with the highest principles of accountability and professionalism.
