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The South Portland Police Department is seeking reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in March.

The accreditation is known as the “Gold Standard in Public Safety,” and confirms that the department’s procedures, policies, equipment, and training are the most up to date and in alignment with best practices. Only 5 percent of U.S. police departments hold this accreditation.

“It looks at all of our policies, all of our procedures and practices,” said South Portland Police Department Lieutenant Todd Bernard.

South Portland police are inviting members of the public to comment on the department as part of the reaccreditation process. Members of the community are invited to comment on the agency’s compliance with commission standards and overall service.

“One of the standards that is looked at is that we are open to public comment about our accreditation process,” Bernard said.

Concerns and commendations both are invited so the department can continue to improve.

“Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency,” W. Craig Hartley, Jr., executive director of of the commission, wrote in South Portland’s 2022 award letter. “Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies congratulates the South Portland Police Department for demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence through accreditation.”