<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The City of Beaufort Police Department has received its Certificate of Re-Accreditation from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) program.

This certificate is presented to agencies that have demonstrated dedication to excellence and professionalism in law enforcement through voluntary compliance with specific standards designed to enhance the professional delivery of law enforcement services. These agencies are recognized through the SCLEA as leaders in South Carolina law enforcement.

During the last week of July and the first week of August, assessors from the SCLEA conducted an audit of the Police Department’s policies and procedures and examined records to ensure the department is following best practices in law enforcement.

The Beaufort Police Department received its initial state accreditation in August 2017. The department is reviewed for re-accreditation every three years.

“I would like to thank the men and women of our agency for providing top-level professional service to our community,” Interim Police Chief Dale McDorman said. “To say how proud I am of our officers and our agency for this accomplishment would be an understatement.”

State accreditation ensures that the department’s policies and procedures meet current professional standards and law enforcement best practices. These are standards that the department must follow to remain an accredited agency.

There are 289 standards that an agency must comply with to obtain and maintain accreditation. Some of the topics covered by South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation standards include patrol procedures, mutual aid assistance, recruitment and selection of officers, training and career development, biased based profiling, mental illness, use of force, pursuits and numerous other standards.

<em>Officers and staff of the Beaufort Police Department pose with their re-accreditation certificate. Pictured are, back row from left, Capt. George Erdel, Lt. Richard Poole; front row from left, Interim Chief Dale McDorman, accreditation coordinator Lindsey Edwards, office manager Carolyn Branson (and Missy), and Lt. Jason Day. Submitted photo.</em>