The Brownwood Police Department received the award of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program on October 29th, 2013. Begun in 2006, the Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 165 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.
This voluntary process required the Brownwood Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations. Beginning in summer of 2011, the department began the lengthy process to become a “Recognized” Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review took place on October 16th and 17th. The on-site review is conducted by trained Police Chiefs from other areas of our state. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognition Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Recognized” status.
On October 29th, the department was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” award. Brownwood PD becomes only the 86th agency in the state to be so recognized. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the citizens of Brownwood that its Police Department is conforming to the current state of the art standard in law enforcement.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of the men and women of the Brownwood Police Department. “Recognition” is a great accomplishment and an excellent example of hard work, commitment, patience, and teamwork,” said Corley. “The work and effort put in by the officers, supervisors, and civilians cannot be overstated. I hope the citizens of Brownwood are as proud of their police department as I am.”
He further explained the team work involved in achieving this recognition.
“Lt. Randall Krpoun was the program manager and his efforts for coordinating and supervising this effort are very much appreciated. But let me say again that this was the definition of a TEAM effort. We could not have achieved Recognition status without the outstanding effort of every member of the Brownwood Police Department,” said Corley. “There are over 2,600 law enforcement agencies in Texas, and we are extremely proud to become the 86th Recognized department in our great state.”
The actual presentation of the award will take place at our next City Council meeting – November 12th at 9am. Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge will make the presentation on behalf of the Texas Police Chiefs Assoc. The department will also be recognized at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual conference in April of 2014.
More information and a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org.
