Stafford Police Department
Press Release
July 8, 2022
Stafford Police Department Receives “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program
On July 5, 2022, the Stafford Police Department received the award of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Begun in 2006, the Accreditation Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 169 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.
The Stafford Police Department was originally Accredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program in June of 2018. Police agencies Accredited by the TPCA must undergo an onsite inspection every 4th year and this makes the second successful onsite inspection by the Stafford Police Department.
This voluntary process required the Stafford Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations. Beginning in January of 2022, the department began the lengthy process to become a “Accredited” Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review took place on June 27, 2022. The on-site review is conducted by trained Police Chiefs from other areas of our state. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Accreditation Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Accredited” status.
On July 5, the department was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” award. Stafford Police Department becomes the 134th agency in the state to be so Accredited. The Stafford Police Department has always considered itself to be one of the best in the state. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the citizens of Stafford that its Police Department is conforming to the current state of the art in law enforcement.
The actual presentation of the award will take place at the Stafford City Council Meeting on August 3, 2022. The department will also be Accredited at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual conference in April.
More information a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org.
Chief Ramirez will be available for telephone or video interviews or comments. Please contact Chief Ramirez’s office at 281-261-3953 to schedule a date and time for interviews and comments.
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