The Soldotna Police Department was awarded their second award of accredited status from the Oregon Accreditation Alliance (OAA) on Tuesday night at the Soldotna City Council meeting.
Accreditation means that an agency, their operations, management, policies and procedures meet the best practices the industry has to offer.
Scott Hayes, Executive Director of the Oregon Accreditation Alliance, presented the award of accreditation; “I appreciate the opportunity to address the council and present Soldotna Police Department with their second award of accreditation. This is a substantial step for any agency to be evaluated by an outside independent organization, and have their policies and practices scrutinized. Law enforcement is currently expecting a changing society, with increased demands for police accountability and transparency. As in the past are profession must face these challenges and work with our communities to address their concerns. “
There are currently two Alaska law enforcement agencies involved with the Oregon Accreditation Alliance; the Juneau Police Department and the Soldotna Police Department.
Hayes explained further; “Accreditation is one step towards building community trust and legitimacy of our profession. Chief and City Council, on behalf of the Oregon Accreditation Alliance and the board of directors, I would like to present you with your award of accreditation.”
The Soldotna Police Department is the first Alaska law enforcement agency to achieve law enforcement accreditation through the Oregon Accreditation Alliance.
