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Clifton Heights Police Presented with Accreditation Certificate, Council Hears Benefits
Summary
James Adams, a coordinator with the police accreditation program, briefed council on the requirements and benefits of accreditation and presented a certificate to Chief Rockenbach, who accepted it on behalf of the force; council and residents applauded the department’s achievement.
James Adams, introduced by council as the PHAC coordinator, explained the borough police department recently met statewide accreditation requirements and presented the accreditation certificate to Chief Rockenbach. "This certificate represents 370 best practices that your police department complies with," Adams said, summarizing the program’s scope and the two-proof requirement for each practice.
Adams told council the program grew from a statewide study in the 1990s and now relies on 125 listed standards, many of which include multiple embedded best practices. He said the process includes mock assessments, a two-day onsite review by three assessors and a report to the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, which meets quarterly.
Adams cited data the commission monitors: 209 departments are currently accredited and accredited agencies tend to have fewer lawsuits and lower municipal payouts when claims occur. "We're actually saving your insurance company money," he said, describing how insurers and underwriters factor accreditation into risk assessments.
Chief Rockenbach accepted the certificate on behalf of the department and credited officers and staff for the work and paperwork that made accreditation possible. Council members offered public congratulations and applause.
The presentation closed with Adams noting annual reporting requirements and a three-year re-assessment cycle to maintain accredited status. Council did not take formal action on the certificate itself; the item was presented for recognition and public record.
