News

City police department is first in state to earn Trust Building certification

Officer Garcia, Sgt. Gyurina, Officer Tinoco, Lt. Smith and Police Support Specialist Swain pose with the IACP Trust Building Campaign Pledge Certificate.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 9, 2024

The Hendersonville Police Department made history by becoming the first police department in North Carolina to successfully fulfill the requirements for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Trust Building Campaign, the city announced.

The trust-building campaign shows commitment to enhancing trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and is an initiative spearheaded by the IACP, the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. To join the Trust Building Campaign, law enforcement agencies must pledge to implement 25 key policies and leading practices within a 36-month period. 

Police Chief Blair Myhand presented the IACP Trust Building Campaign Certificate at the March 7 Hendersonville City Council meeting. 

“Having a solid framework in place to build on will benefit the Hendersonville Police Department for years to come,” he said. “Completing this pledge sets a powerful precedent. My vision is that our officers embrace and uphold the highest policing standards that ensure lasting positive change and trust within our community.”   

Chief Myhand said he decided to pledge the Trust Building Campaign because a culture that promotes transparency, accountability, and community involvement is critical for 21^st century policing. The department started the application process back in March of 2023. 

By completing the Trust Building Campaign Pledge, the Hendersonville Police Department established policies and trainings, conducted assessments, and developed strategies within six key focus areas (bias-free policing; use of force; leadership and culture; recruitment, hiring, and retention; victim services; and community relations). These efforts are designed to encourage positive community-police partnerships that promote safe and effective interactions, prevent and reduce crime, and improve the well-being and quality of life for all.  

The IACP is encouraged by the efforts of agencies as they incorporate the pledge’s concepts into their everyday operations. When trust building is prioritized, community members and the police benefit from relationships focused on unified visions, goals, and values. Building and strengthening trust in the community is critical and must remain a primary objective.  

For more information about the Trust Building Campaign, visit the IACP’s website at http://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign