The Lake Havasu Police Department was recently recertified through the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) after being one of the first police departments to receive accreditation in 2020.
chief Then-captain Troy Sterling led the effort to become the fourth division in all of Arizona to earn this honor.
Starting in 2020, the agency will be required to submit an annual report demonstrating continued compliance with the standards.
The category was subject to review this year, as accreditation lasts for four years.
According to a police department press release, certification is a progressive and proven method to help measure and improve a law enforcement agency's overall performance.
Additionally, ALEAP is intended to provide a means for law enforcement agencies to demonstrate that they meet generally accepted best practices and industry standards.
As part of the process, the Sterling Police Chief met with the ALEAP Committee in January and underwent a review, site visit and inspection by an adjudicator, and the department was awarded the certificate on February 2nd.
“Accreditation is a voluntary certification designed to help law enforcement agencies dig deep into their policies and procedures to ensure we are providing the best possible service to the communities we serve.” program,” Sterling said. “I want the residents of Lake Havasu to have confidence that Lake Havasu is one of the best police agencies in the state, building on the community trust we consistently demonstrate. I want you to understand that I am committed to this.”
During a coffee with the Mayor and City Manager last week, Mayor Cal Sheehy and City Manager Jess Knudson discussed the certification as Sterling accepted the certification in Phoenix.
“For Chief Stirling, his leadership team, and everyone within the police department, it is truly encouraging to know that what they are accomplishing is a positive force and that they are recognized by the nation for the positive service they provide. “It will be,” Knudson said.
Sheehy added that the city is proud to have a great police department.
“circleI am a safe community,Police officers have a relationship with citizens and they are truly great police departments, but they are also communities because they impact public safety,” Sheehy said.