The Richmond Hill Police Department (RHPD) continues to exceed performance standards by taking an innovative approach toward law enforcement. The police department’s innovative approach to Law Enforcement Certification has been beneficial in a variety of ways. The state certification program is excellent because it is low in cost, offers law enforcement guidelines and standardization, and retains reliable and competent officers. This certification program is innovative because the policies established by the participating law enforcement agencies are consistent throughout the state of Georgia. The program is well suited in small communities like Richmond Hill and benefits the community members as well as the department.
The benefits of certification include:
• Confirmation that law enforcement agency’s practices are consistent with progressive professional standards and uniform with other participating law enforcement agencies
• Annual audit to maintain compliance with standards
• Greater operational and administrative effectiveness
• Enhanced understanding of agency policies and practices
• Greater public confidence in the agency
• Recognition in the field of outstanding achievement
• Reduced liability potential
• Greater governmental and community support
With a capable police force at hand, the RHPD is able to actively participate with the youth in the community. RHPD is an active participant in the Children’s Advocacy Council, Tobacco Education Program, Fatal Vision, and the Juvenile Diversion Mediation Program. Fatal Vision provides youth with an understanding of the impaired vision that results from alcohol consumption and substance abuse. The police chief is the chairman for the Bryan County Family Connection (BCFC) Program. One of the most successful programs offered by BCFC is the Juvenile Diversion Mediation Program. This program eliminates the unnecessary use of secure detention, which minimizes failures to appear in court and reduces the incidence of delinquent behavior. This successful program as well as other programs offered by BCFC has reduced the number of repeat youth offenders in our community and guided the youth to greater success.
RHPD earned state certification in January 2000 by meeting the standards adopted by the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program and recently recertified in 2005. This program is progressive and time-proven ways of helping law enforcement agencies improve their overall performance. Standards established in communication, administration, field operations, promotions, investigative operations, etc., offer basic guidelines for the agencies. This program enables participating agencies to establish policies and procedures which are similar to others in the state. Previously, many agencies followed separate guidelines and old standards that have always been done, yet never written or enforced.
The Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program was initiated in 1990. The Georgia Sheriffs Association and the Department of Community Affairs discussed the possibility of developing law enforcement agency standards. By 1996 a committee of law enforcement agencies produced a comprehensive set of voluntary, model management, operational and service level standards for law enforcement agencies, which became the Law Enforcement Certification Program endorsed by the state of Georgia.
RHPD accepted the challenge and began the process of state certification. The heart of the certification process lies in the establishment of standards with a clear statement of professional objectives. The program is based on 115 basic standards. The standards identified by the certification program are essential to the efficient and effective operation of the agency. The standards are credible, realistic, flexible, and effective. The standards incorporate contemporary professional thought and practices. The standards ensure the goal of effectiveness and efficiency is met.
The program provides a comprehensive blueprint for effective, professional law enforcement. This program is similar to the national law enforcement standards, which consists of more than 400 standards. The primary difference between the two programs is the cost effectiveness. Smaller agencies are likely to participate if their budget can justify it. Only twenty-seven states in the United States have implemented state certification programs similar to this.
RHPD met objectives by compiling information to demonstrate compliance with the program’s standards, identifying the required standards, and implementing new policies. Once the standards were implemented, a team of law enforcement assessors visited to verify that RHPD qualified. The department was awarded certification which acknowledges the successful implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.
Certification status represents a significant professional achievement for the police department. Once certification was granted, it is valid for a period of five years. RHPD must file annual reports attesting to their continuing compliance and identify any instances of non-compliance.
The residents have reaped the rewards of this program. The public views the RHPD as a competent and effective force. Crime statistics remain low in the community and violent crimes are almost nonexistent. Richmond Hill consistently ranks well below the national crime average. The RHPD is actively involved in the community, which is evident on all levels. From neighborhood watches to mentoring programs, the RHPD is available to the community.
|