Accreditation Achievement

Troutdale Police Department has achieved the distinction of becoming the first law enforcement agency in Multnomah County, and the 13th in the State of Oregon, to become an accredited police agency in 2005. In 2008, re-accredited under Chief Scott Anderson, marking successful completion of mandatory compliance in the period since 2005. To date, the department is the only Multnomah County law enforcement agency to achieve and maintain State wide Accreditation.

The Oregon Accreditation Alliance was created under the direction and authority of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials in April, 2001. It is governed by a committee of representatives from the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the Oregon Chapter of the Association Public Safety Communications officials.

An accredited police agency provides numerous benefits such as:

Controlled Liability Insurance Costs
Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase police liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints
Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them, once they become accredited.

Greater Accountability Within the Agency
Accreditation standards give the Chief of Police a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.

Staunch Support from Government Officials
Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.

Increased Community Advocacy
Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.

Becoming an accredited agency ensures the department will have contingency plans for disasters such as hostage situations, transportation related emergencies, civil unrest, storms, flooding, and earthquakes. It mandates that police cars are maintained and equipped to protect officers at the scene and facilitate complete investigations.

Accreditation is not an honor that is conferred once and is everlasting. The department is required to meet the standards on an ongoing basis. Annually, the department must submit proof of compliance of selected standards; every five years, the department must undergo a complete reevaluation on-site.

Continually working to retain an accredited status has put department staff in the positive position of constantly having to rethink the way in which the department approaches matters. As new challenges arise, the department must continue to change in order to maintain its professional edge.

In the years to come, the department will work to maintain its accredited status. The members of the Troutdale Police department appreciate the opportunity to serve you and will be vigilant in their efforts to offer only the highest quality service.

City of Troutdale- Last Updated January 11, 2011