The Sequim Police Department has once again earned accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC), making it one of approximately 60 State accredited police departments out of more than 300 law enforcement agencies in Washington State.
The purpose of law enforcement agency accreditation is to professionalize the law enforcement industry by providing a review process to certify that agencies are operating under the best industry practices and standards. The Sequim Police Department was first accredited in 2016 after moving into their new facility at the Civic Center. Re-accreditation happens every four years and is often a more difficult accomplishment. This reflects an adherence and performance to high standards every day, with all work processes and performance over all four years.
“Our department continues to grow professionally, to do our jobs at a consistently high level,” said Sequim Police Chief Sheri Crain. “Accreditation requires rigorous documentation requirements for the assessment process. Staff Sergeant Sean Madison led that effort as our Accreditation Manager and deserves accolades for his efforts the last four years.”
Standards that are audited are:
• Goals and Objectives
• Role and Authority
• Use of Force
• Management, Staffing, Organization and Utilization of Personnel
• Records Management
• Information Technology
• Unusual Occurrences
• Health and Safety
• Fiscal Management
• Recruitment and Selection
• Training
• Performance Evaluation
• Code of Conduct
• Internal Affairs
• Patrol Function
• Investigative Function
• Evidence and Property Control Function
• Prisoner Security
There are many benefits of WASPC accreditation including increased public confidence in the agency; broadened perspectives; assurance that recruitment, selection, and promotion processes are fair and equitable; improvement of agency morale and pride; and state and local recognition of professional competence. To learn more about the accreditation program visit https://www.waspc.org/accreditation.
For more information, please contact the Sequim Police Department at (360) 683-7227.