Liberty Lake Police begin WASPIC accreditation process; department names accreditation manager

The Liberty Lake Police Department said on May 20 it has initiated a formal accreditation process overseen by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police (WASPIC) and named Lieutenant J.T. Isaac as accreditation manager.

The department outlined a multi-step process that includes assignment of a mentor, a detailed self-assessment with documentary proof, a virtual file review, and an on-site assessment by volunteer evaluators. “The committee is responsible for maintaining the standards,” Lt. Isaac told the council, and external assessors will review policies, files and interviews to recommend improvements.

Nut graf: Department leaders said accreditation is intended to improve standardization, accountability and risk management; staff briefed the council on the program’s scope — 18 major standards covering everything from use-of-force and training to evidence control and prisoner security — and on timing and likely costs for on-site assessors and facility/equipment upgrades.

Lt. Isaac described the accreditation goals and steps: standardizing practices; increasing public confidence; reducing liability; and encouraging continuous improvement through regular assessments. He told the council the program covers 18 major law-enforcement areas and that agencies typically compile extensive documentary proofs in a virtual file environment (PowerDMS) for the assessors.

The department said the application fee is $100 and that agencies initiating accreditation normally have up to one year to complete the on-site assessment once the contract is signed. Lt. Isaac said evidence-storage and facility upgrades were already partly budgeted and that the department was about 50% complete on planned evidence improvements for the year.

Ending: Council members expressed support and acknowledged the work involved; Chief Simmons and Lt. Isaac said they would return with updates as the accreditation work proceeds.