A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will soon examine all aspects of the Tampa Police Department's policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services. Compliance with approximately 250 standards is required in order for a law enforcement agency to receive accredited status. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, and safety issues.
Corporal Sonja Wise is the Accreditation Program Manager for the Tampa Police Department. The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and review offices and other areas where compliance can be witnessed.
Once the Commission's assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then determine if the agency is to receive accredited status. The accreditation is valid for three (3) years.
"Verification by the team that the Tampa Police Department meets or exceeds the Commission's standards is part of a voluntary process for our agency to maintain accreditation - a highly regarded recognition of law enforcement professional excellence", said Chief Brian Dugan.
As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Tampa Police Department's ability to meet the standards of accreditation, or those interested in Information regarding CFA, can use the following options to contact the Commission:
CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, or email to flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us
A copy of the standards manual is available through the Tampa Police Public Information Office upon request by phone (813.276.3255) or email (TPD-PIO@tampagov.net).