The Grand Junction Police Department has once again achieved professional accreditation from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP). Our department first achieved CACP accreditation in 1996, and undergoes a required review process every five years.
The Professional Standards Accreditation program through CACP is an acknowledgement that a law enforcement agency has documented operations, policies, and procedures in place that clearly define the role of a peace officer, and that enhance the quality of services provided. In order to achieve this accreditation, the Grand Junction Police Department had to meet over 200 established professional standards, which were verified by an on-site assessment conducted by law enforcement officials from other jurisdictions. Our agency met or exceeded all of the established standards, which include ethics, organization, crime prevention, and operations, among others. The accreditation process includes elements of self-assessment by the agency, assessor observation, interviews with staff, and extensive written documentation of department processes and directives. Out of more than 230 law enforcement agencies in Colorado, less than 50 are currently accredited.
“We began the process of renewing our accreditation well over a year ago,” says Grand Junction Deputy Police Chief Mike Nordine. “This is an intensive effort that requires a lot of our staff. It’s a testament to the dedication of Grand Junction Police Department personnel, who strive for professionalism and excellence at every level of the organization.”
At the Grand Junction City Council meeting on Wednesday, September 1, Grand Junction Police Chief Doug Shoemaker accepted the accreditation plaque presented on behalf of CACP by Fruita Police Chief Dave Krouse. Chief Krouse was part of the assessment team responsible for ensuring that the extensive accreditation criteria were met.