News

Public invited to comment on city PD as part of accreditation review

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 12, 2024

The city of Hendersonville is inviting the public to provide input about the Hendersonville Police Department as part of a national accreditation review of the agency.

An assessment team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. is scheduled to visit the city next month to examine all aspects of the police department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief Blair Myhand announced Thursday.

“Verification by the team that Hendersonville Police Department meets CALEA’s industry leading standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation,” Myhand said in a news release. “This is a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.”

As part of the assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments about the department here.

Persons wishing to offer written comments may send them to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA, 20155.

The Hendersonville Police Department must comply with 177 standards to gain accredited status, Myhand said.

“Reaching this milestone indicates to you that the Hendersonville Police Department does and will always adhere to the highest standards in law< he said. “It says that your local police department is professional, ethical, and well-trained.”

Accreditation lasts four years, during which the agency must report proofs of compliance and participate in annual web-based assessments attesting continued adherence with the 177 standards of accreditation.