Narberth police earn accreditation from Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission

Jean Borak recognized the Narberth Police Department's recent accreditation during the Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on June 12. She thanked Chief John Strange and Sergeant Bernankeo for leading the department through the process and said the recognition helps build community confidence.

Chief John Strange described the accreditation as "an outside party assessment" that reviews agency policies and operations against a detailed set of standards. "It's about a 140 standards," he said, adding that many standards include subsections, bringing the checklist to roughly 350 individual items. For each standard the department must supply two proofs of compliance; assessors review files electronically, inspect the station, conduct ride-alongs, and interview staff over a two-day period before making a recommendation to an appointing committee.

Strange said the accreditation was a team effort that involved other borough departments; he noted public works and fire helped relocate and improve the evidence room, which was necessary to meet requirements. The committee did not take formal action on the anniversary recognition; Strange said the department will provide a more in-depth update at a subsequent public event later in the week.

Why it matters: Accreditation is an independent assessment that signals a police agency has adopted and can document professional policies and procedures. For residents, borough officials said, it is intended to increase transparency and public confidence in operations.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after thanking members of the department for their work.