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Department Accreditation

The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association introduced the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program to the Commonwealth in July, 2001. This is a very distinguished award with just over 100 of the more than 1,100 police departments within the Commonwealth having achieved the status of being an Accredited Department. In June, 2010, the City of Warren Police Department was accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). This gave the Department the distinction of being the first department located within the northwest region of the state (north of Interstate 80 and west of State College) to be accredited.
  
Chief Joseph Sproveri, Accreditation Manager Sergeant Joseph Bees, and  Administrative Assistant Michelle Krogler are responsible for the task of policy development, collecting proofs of compliance for the PLEAC standards, and file maintenance. Proofs consist of reports, completed forms, photographs, and other items that verify that the officers and members of the Department follow departmental policy. There must be two proofs offered for each standard on an annual basis.
  
As part of the commitment to improving the agency, the Office of Professional Standards was developed. This office will have the responsibility of ensuring that the Department continues to meet the standards established as part of the accreditation process. Additionally, the officer assigned to oversee the process will conduct semi-annual audit and compliance checks. These checks will be without additional costs or personnel. The task of this office will be to keep the Department recognized as a leader in the region for others to follow.
  
Since first being awarded accredited status in 2010 the department has continued to achieve recognition by its second award in June, 2013 and our most recent achievement in June, 2019.

 

Benefits of Accreditation

  • Establishes a credible framework for evaluating agency practices and procedures.
  • Reduces agency risk and exposure to lawsuits.
  • Decreases some liability insurance expenditures.
  • Improved law enforcement/community relations.
  • Increases employee input, interaction, and confidence in the agency.
  • Enlarges the outlook and viewpoints of supervisors, officers, and employees.
  • Identifies and highlights the capabilities and competency of the agency.
  • Furnishes a solid foundation for the agency to build upon for further progress.
  • Provides reliable methods to improve essential management procedures.
  • Evidences agency accountability to elected officials and the public.
  • Enhances planning and innovative activities by all agency personnel.
  • Develops improved methods for providing services to the community.
  • Encourages problem-solving activities within the agency.

Accreditation affirms that the City of Warren Police Department strives to meet its mission in the service and protection of our community. Accreditation could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts and dedication of the men and women of the Department. Input from our officers, government officials, and members of our community is valued.

The Department is very proud of this award and shares this monumental achievement with our citizens.