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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Lady Lake Police Department wins full accreditation from state commission

The Lady Lake Police Department has been awarded full accreditation from the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence.

Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.

Accreditation enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency, and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency is increased.

An accreditation program has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. Schools, universities, and hospitals are some of the most well-known organizations that are required to maintain accreditation. Law enforcement agencies in Florida can now attain accredited status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc.

In 1993, Florida Statute 943.125 directed that the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association create a voluntary law enforcement accreditation program.

Representatives from these Associations developed a process for accreditation which required compliance with more than 250 professional standards designed specifically for Florida law enforcement agencies. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. was formed, comprised of four Sheriffs, four Chiefs’ of Police, and one representative each from the Association of Counties, the League of Cities, the State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association, the Judiciary, and the Inspectors General. The Commission meets three times per year to oversee the accreditation program and to officially accredit agencies that have passed the rigorous review process.

Chief Chris McKinstry is a strong proponent of the accreditation process. He believes in transparency, innovation, and professional development so that the Lady Lake Police Department not only stays up with the latest best practices, but are ahead of the curve.

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