Exciting news for our community! A team from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) will be visiting the Oro Valley Police Department on June 21, 2022. Their mission? To evaluate everything from the department’s policies to its day-to-day operations.
This thorough review is led by Kevin E. Rhea, the Accreditation Program Manager for ALEAP. He shared that the team is made up of law enforcement pros from around Arizona who will dive into the department’s materials, chat with staff, and tour the facilities to ensure everything meets the highest standards. Once they wrap up, they’ll report back to the Commission, which will then decide on granting accreditation.
To earn this prestigious status, the Oro Valley Police Department needs to meet 174 standards. Chief Kara Riley highlighted that achieving accreditation means more than just recognition. It’s about proving the agency’s credibility, increasing accountability, and bolstering community trust by showing they can handle community needs efficiently.
As part of this process, the department is inviting both employees and the public to share their thoughts with the Assessment Team. If you’d like to comment, you can call 520-229-4909 on June 22, 2022, between 10:30 and 11:30 am. You’re also welcome to email your feedback to [email protected]. Phone comments should be brief, focusing on how well the department meets the standards. If you prefer, you can view the standards in person at the Oro Valley Police Department. Just reach out to Lieutenant John Teachout at 520-229-4923 to arrange a visit. Written comments can also be sent by mail to the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program at 75 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 48296.
Chief Riley emphasizes that earning this accreditation is all about showing dedication to maintaining the best practices in law enforcement. Accreditation remains valid for four years, during which the department must prove they are sticking to these standards with annual reports. The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police is the official accrediting body. To learn more about them, visit their website.
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