
LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Lake Havasu City Police Department is seeking re-accreditation through the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP). Accreditation is a progressive and time-proven method of assisting law enforcement agencies in measuring and improving their overall performance. ALEAP is intended to provide law enforcement agencies in the state with an avenue for demonstrating that they meet commonly accepted best practices and industry standards for efficient, effective, productive and quality operations. The Lake Havasu City Police Department was proudly accredited (initially) in 2020.
A team of assessors from ALEAP will arrive on January 3, to examine all aspects of the Lake Havasu City Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Lake Havasu City Police Department meets the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Chief Troy Stirling said.
As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call (928) 854-0854 on January 3, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. email comments can also be sent to kevin.rhea@azchiefsofpolice.org.
Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. These standards can be found online at www.azchiefsofpolice.org/aleap-accreditation-program.
Additionally, a copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Lake Havasu City Police Department, 2630 McCulloch Blvd., N. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Please contact Lieutenant Chad Williams, Accreditation Manager at (928) 855-1171.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Manager at williamsc@lhcaz.gov, or write the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program at 75 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 48296.
The Lake Havasu City Police Department must comply with 174 standards in order to achieve accredited status.
Police Chief Troy Stirling indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”
The Accreditation Program Manager for ALEAP is Kevin E. Rhea. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Arizona law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”, Rhea stated.
Accreditation is valid for a four-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP), is the accrediting agency in the State of Arizona. For more information regarding the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, please visit www.azchiefsofpolice.org.