Decatur Police Department earns reaccreditation from Texas Police Chiefs Association

Decatur's Police Department has achieved a significant milestone by receiving reaccreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA), a recognition that underscores its commitment to professional excellence in law enforcement. During the city council meeting on March 24, 2025, retired Chief Monty Stanley presented the certificate, highlighting the department's adherence to rigorous standards that only a small fraction of Texas law enforcement agencies meet.

The TPCA accreditation program, which includes 73 challenging standards based on Texas law and contemporary best practices, requires departments to undergo thorough audits and inspections. The Decatur Police Department first attained this status in 2008 and has consistently demonstrated its dedication to maintaining these high standards through annual reports and comprehensive evaluations every four years.

Stanley noted that only 217 out of approximately 2,800 law enforcement agencies in Texas have achieved this level of accreditation, placing Decatur among the elite in the state. He emphasized that this recognition is not just a badge of honor but reflects the department's ongoing efforts to provide effective and professional police services to the community.

The reaccreditation process involves extensive assessments, including interviews with staff and field officers, inspections of facilities, and a review of operations. The unanimous vote from the TPCA's accreditation committee further solidifies the department's reputation for excellence.

As Decatur continues to uphold these standards, the community can take pride in knowing that their police department is committed to delivering quality service and adapting to best practices in law enforcement. The ongoing process of maintaining accreditation ensures that the department will remain accountable and responsive to the needs of the citizens it serves.