Immediate Release

ACCREDITATION TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT THE ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Orlando: A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive August 4, 2009 to examine all aspects of the Orlando Police Department’s polices and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Val B. Demings announced today. The Orlando Police Department must comply with approximately 259 standards in order to receive accredited status.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. The public may call 407-246-3900 on August 5th, between the hours of 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards. A copy of the standards is available through the Orlando Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Sergeant Barb Jones, in Orlando at 407-246-2403.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Orlando Police Department’s ability to meet standards of accreditation may write to: CFA 3504 Lake Lydia Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, FL 32817.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the Orlando Police Department, Lieutenant Sue Manney, advised that the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and visit officers and other places where compliance can be witnessed. The CFA Assessment Team Leader is Director Mike Somberg from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to the full Commission, which will decide if the agency is to receive accredited status. The Orlando Police Department’s accreditation is for three years. Chief Demings advised verification by the team that the Orlando Police Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.