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Accreditation

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The City of Bend Police Department has been an accredited agency since 2003.

The Bend Police Department joined the Oregon Accreditation Alliance in July 2001, and was awarded initial accreditation in April 2003. The department was re-accredited 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022. The next re-accreditation will be April 2024.

What does it mean to be an accredited agency?

Accreditation for law enforcement means policies and procedures are in place and are followed by the men and women of our agency. The Oregon Accreditation Alliance, which governs accreditation, requires a police department achieve and maintain 100 legal, ethical and operational standards. In addition, an accredited police agency provides numerous other benefits:

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 with the Agency

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

Support from Government Officials

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

Increased Community Support

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.