Mead Police Department earns state accreditation

June 1, 2022--The Mead Police Department received professional accreditation from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police. The achievement marks the cumulation of years of hard work. The accreditation was officially presented to the Mead Police Department at the Tuesday evening Board of Trustees meeting.

This professional recognition exemplifies strategic planning to further develop the Mead Police Department. The effort put forth to achieve such certification includes the creation of new policies, securing staff certifications, and expanding community engagement. Mead Police Chief Brent Newbanks worked assiduously to develop the 1655-page accreditation manual, establishing numerous professional standards, written objectives, as well as coordinating an on-site visit from CACP. Chief Newbanks explained, “I am incredibly proud of the commitment to excellence displayed by our officers and law enforcement administrators to earn this recognition. The process to obtain accreditation is tough and not easily achieved. This is a testament of our commitment to the community to provide the absolute best in police services”.

The Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Standards Accreditation Program began in 1984 to certify law enforcement agencies in the state for using best practices. The program enhanced policing standards to make sure agencies are operating in a professional, accountable, and transparent manner. Police organizations are required to apply for the program and demonstrate compliance with professional standards. A panel of statewide police leaders review the organization's application and determine if the department is worthy of accreditation. Of the 246 law enforcement agencies in Colorado, only 30 currently have professional accreditation with the CACP because of the demanding requirements.

To maintain accreditation, the Mead Police Department must undergo an extensive review process every five years. The review will inspect the departments policies and procedures, confirm compliance to new laws, and verify best practices. All this is done to ensure that the Mead Police Department provides the finest professional level of law enforcement and police services to the community.