Marshall Police Department Receives “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program
August 12, 2016
On August 12, 2016, the Marshall Police Department received the award of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. Begun in 2006, the Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 166 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.
This voluntary process required the Marshall Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations. The department began the lengthy process to become a “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review took place on August 2nd and 3rd, 2016. The on-site review is conducted by trained Police Chiefs from other areas of our state. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognition Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Recognized” status.
On August 12, 2016, the department was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” award. Less than 1% of Texas Law Enforcement agencies are Recognized. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the citizens of Marshall that its Police Department is conforming to the current state of the art policies and procedures in law enforcement.
The department will be recognized at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual conference in the Spring of 2017. Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa would like to thank all the members of the MPD for all their hard work and dedication during the process.
For more information, a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at www.texaspolicechiefs.org.