The Redmond Police Department achieved re-accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The award certifies that the department is operating under best practices and standards for law enforcement.

The initial certification involves a multi-phase process over several months. According to the department It is a “rigorous” audit that examines 149 standards that reflect best practices, accountability, organizational discipline, and performance. An accreditation audit requires agencies to adhere to and show proof of compliance with key policies and procedures and a commitment to oversight that ensures standards are met.

“I am proud of our staff’s dedication to adopting and adhering to the policies and training necessary to ensure we are modeling industry standards, engaged in best practices that keep us transparent and accountable to the community we serve,” said Police Chief Darrell Lowe.

To maintain accreditation, agencies must be reaccredited every four years. Redmond Police Department successfully completed the initial accreditation process in 2001.

Benefits of accreditation include operational effectiveness and efficiencies, reduced liability exposure, improved employment practices, better records management, and many others.

WASPC was founded in 1963 and represents executive and top management personnel from law enforcement agencies statewide. In 1976, the Washington State Legislature directed the association to develop standards and policies for Washington State Law Enforcement.