Palatka police recommended for reaccreditation and report declines in crime
Loading...
Summary
Police said state assessors recommended reaccreditation after a Nov. 4-6 review, reported several community events and said the city saw a 19% reduction in crime in the third quarter of 2025 and a 14% year-to-date reduction through October.
Palatka police presented an update on community engagement, accreditation and crime statistics at the Nov. 13 commission meeting.
Chiefspeak: The department hosted three assessors from the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement the week of Nov. 4; after an exit interview on Nov. 6 staff learned the assessors were recommending reaccreditation at the Florida commission conference in February 2026, the presenter said. "We not only met but exceeded every single requirement that state accreditation has for us and that the assessors are recommending we receive our reaccreditation," the chief said.
Community policing and events: Staff recapped outreach including National Night Out (about 1,200 attendees), school visits to Putnam Classical Academy and College and Career Night, a fall festival and the 10th annual trunk-or-treat (estimated 2,500 participants). The department said it uses COPS and CRA teams for problem-oriented responses, including a no-dumping signage and follow-up on a reported illegal-dumping location.
Crime statistics: The presenter said the city saw a 19% reduction in overall crime in Q3 2025 compared with Q3 2024, and a 14% reduction Jan.Oct. year-to-date, noting six weeks remain in the calendar year.
Why it matters: Reaccreditation is a formal recognition of compliance with state law-enforcement standards; crime reductions and continued community engagement can influence resident perceptions of public safety and resource allocation.
Next steps: Staff will continue community engagement events and track crime trends; the accreditation recommendation is subject to formal confirmation at the February 2026 conference.
