Bethel Police Win Distinguished Accreditation

BETHEL, CT — The Police Department received a rare honor last month.

The Bethel PD was awarded its second Law Enforcement Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). That makes them one of only three police agencies in Fairfield County with CALEA Accreditation.

CALEA is the "gold standard in public safety," according to its website.

The accreditation provides many benefits to the Department, including "increased community advocacy, strong support from government officials, better defense against civil suits, reduced risk and liability exposure, and greater accountability," police officials said. "CALEA serves to create and maintain integrity, transparency, and accountability within the police organization."

Captain Stephen Pugner and Lieutenant Michael Libertini went to Covington, KY, to appear before the Commission for reaccreditation in November. The certification was awarded for the next four years. Police officials credited Lieutenant Heather Burnes with leading the Department's efforts to win reaccreditation.

"We are proud to serve the community with a high degree of excellence and look forward to maintaining that excellence through continued accreditation and partnership with CALEA," police officials posted on social media.