Oregon City Police Department earns seventh reaccreditation from Northwest Accreditation Alliance

The Oregon City Police Department received its seventh accreditation award from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance at the Oct. 15, 2025, City Commission meeting.

Scott Hayes, executive director of the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, told the commission the program was formed under the direction of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, the Oregon State Sheriffs Association, and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials to support the continued improvement of law enforcement services and establish professional standards.

“Our goals are straightforward: to support the continued improvement of law enforcement services, to establish best practice through professional standards, to promote the agency's accountability and transparency, and enhance, operational management,” Hayes said.

Chief (last name not specified in the public record excerpt) told commissioners the award recognizes the department’s work to align policies and procedures with nationally recognized practices and with Oregon law and city policies. The accreditation process requires agencies to comply with approximately 110 law enforcement standards, provide proof of compliance through policies, procedures and records, and undergo reaccreditation every three years.

Chief Davis and Hayes both acknowledged the work of department staff who prepared materials and maintained standards between cycles. Chief Davis singled out Patty Stewart, the department’s accreditation manager, and staff in records, evidence and training, saying their work is critical to maintaining standards and daily operations. Scott Hayes congratulated the department and board on the accomplishment.

Hayes said accredited agencies are reviewed against standards that reflect federal and state law changes and nationally recognized best practices; compliance is demonstrated through documented policies and practice. He said the Alliance provides accreditation services for more than 100 law enforcement and communications agencies in the region.

Commissioners thanked the department for its work and recognized staff members noted by the chief, including records personnel, property and evidence staff, training sergeants and captains involved in maintaining policy and training compliance. Chief Davis described accreditation work as labor‑intensive and said the department is already beginning work on the next three‑year cycle.

No formal commission action was required or taken on the accreditation; the item was presented as an award and informational briefing.