City Of Milton: Milton Police Invite Public Input As Part Of Accreditation Process

Press release from the City of Milton:

03/10/2021 2:17 PM

As part of its effort to have its accreditation recertified, the Milton Police Department will host a team of professional law enforcement assessors – and interested members of the public – virtually later this month.

The assessors, who are from across the country and part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will determine if the Milton Police Department sufficiently meets the Commission’s innovative, forward-looking standards to warrant recertification of its national accreditation.

Specifically, they will review the Department’s policies and practices, interview individuals, and remotely visit locations where compliance can be witnessed. Public input is a key part of this process.

“Accreditation through the Commission is the hallmark of professional excellence among municipal law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. It is not a requirement, but an arduous, thorough process we invite to ensure we are utilizing best practices,” said Milton Police Chief Rich Austin. “It is a tool to help us remain one of the top agencies of our size anywhere in the nation.”

People have two opportunities to share their thoughts on major public safety issues in Milton:

• MARCH 22 starting at 6 p.m.: This is an “open house”-type meeting to be held over Zoom using this link (https://zoom.us/j/95302315712). You can also participate by calling (929) 205-6099 and entering meeting ID 953 0231 5712.
• MARCH 23 from 10-11 a.m.: Rather than an open event, this is a way for people to call and talk to CALEA assessors directly and privately. To share your input this way, call (678) 242-2505.

The public information session is intended to provide interested Milton citizens or Milton Police Department employees an opportunity to address the assessment team concerning Milton Police.

During both sessions, comments are limited to 10 minutes per person and should be germane to public safety in Milton – specifically the Police Department’s ability to comply with CALEA accreditation.

To learn more about this international public safety accreditation organization, go to www.calea.org. You can also pick up a physical copy of the standards at the Milton Police Department at 13690 Highway 9.

In addition to the above opportunities, anyone can share their relevant comments in writing by emailing calea@calea.org. Please put “Milton CALEA” somewhere in the subject line so it can be directed more easily. You can also send a letter by mail to:

CALEA

13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320

Gainesville, VA 20155

Re: Milton CALEA

The Commission’s assessors will complete their review of the Milton Police Department – taking into account all their findings, including public feedback – then report back to the full Commission. The Commission will then decide if the Milton Police Department is to be granted recertification.

The Milton Police Department’s 43 sworn officers and 8 non-sworn members serve about 40,000 residents, as well as those who work and otherwise come to the city. It frequently is recognized for its high quality of life and safe community, with MoneyGeek recently naming it Georgia’s safest small city (and 42nd safest nationwide) and state’s 3rd Safest City by SafeWise.

“The City of Milton’s dedicated police professionals continually provide exceptional police services,” said Austin, Milton’s police chief. “And I am confident the assessment team, after thorough evaluation of our operations, will come to the same conclusion.”

This press release was produced by the City of Milton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.