A team of assessors from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program — also known as ALEAP — will be examining all aspects of the Paradise Valley Police Department this October, as the local law enforcement department seeks to earn accreditation.

ALEAP’s assessment includes the police department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, according to a press release.

The assessorts will conduct the inspection on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Wednesday, Oct. 14.

“The assessment team will be verifying that the Paradise Valley Police Department meets the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards as part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Paradise Valley Police Chief Peter Wingert said in a prepared statement.

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team by phone or email.

The public may call 480-948-7418 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, between 10-11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to Commander Freeman Carney at fcarney@paradisevalleyaz.gov.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards, the press release stated. A copy of the standards are available for inspection at the Paradise Valley Police Department, 6433 E. Lincoln Drive. The assigned ALEAP assessors are set to take calls from the public during this time.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Paradise Valley Police Department’s ability to comply with accreditation standards is requested to email the Accreditation Program Manager at kevin.rhea@azchiefsofpolice.org or write the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program at 75 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 48296.

The Paradise Valley Police Department must comply with 175 standards to achieve accredited status.

“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,” Mr. Wingert said.

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 assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Arizona law enforcement agencies,” said Accreditation Program Manager Kevin E. Rhea.

“The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, 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.”

The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police is the accrediting agency in Arizona. For more information regarding the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, visit azchiefsofpolice.org.