The Columbia Police Department is working toward accreditation, saying it will reduce the city’s liability.
“When somebody goes to an attorney and says they want to file a lawsuit and that attorney finds out we’re accredited, they automatically know that it will be tough to win because the agencies do things the right way,” Police Chief Michael Kelly said. “They are constantly held to a higher standard than everybody else. I believe we owe that to our citizens.”
Kelly said they would have two years to come into compliance with more than 150 standards to become the 27th accredited agency in the state. The closest to here is Hattiesburg.
Police chiefs from accredited agencies would visit the department along with a committee, and they continuously audit how you are running the agency, Kelly said.
“Everything from the way you communicate with citizens to how you complete your reports and how fast you’re getting those reports out,” he said. “They look at everything, and there is a standard that you have to fall into compliance with for your accreditation. It’s a big deal.”
Kelly said there would be some minimal costs involved with the process. One thing they would have to do is provide 24/7 access to a policy and procedures manual and prove they are following those guidelines.
“For example, the accreditation team could look and see that we had, say five pursuits in the last sixth months and we had all of the paperwork,” the chief said. “It helps us be in check to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.”
Mayor Justin McKenzie, a former longtime police officer, said the accreditation would be an important step for the department.
“It’s a good accountability measure,” he said.
The Board unanimously approved the measure to begin applying for accreditation on July 3.
