Oak Forest Police Department Earns State Accreditation

During the City Council meeting on July 14, the Oak Forest Police Department received its certificate of accreditation award from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

“We are thrilled to have achieved the highest level of law enforcement accreditation,” said Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson. “Not only is this a testament to our officers and staff but it reassures our residents that we are following the best practices in law enforcement.”

In November, an independent team from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) representing IACP reviewed and examined the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services against established criteria of professional excellence. As part of the assessment, department employees and members of the community were invited to offer comments to the assessment team regarding the department’s ability to comply with ILEAP’s professional standards.

State accreditation provides formal recognition that an agency meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. Its goals include increasing effectiveness and efficiency, promoting cooperation among agencies, and ensuring proper training and promoting public confidence. The Oak Forest Police Department joins only 22 other law enforcement agencies that have earned the coveted accreditation status from the program as of October 2014.

The ILEAP accreditation standards are available for review on the ICPA’s website at www.ilchiefs.org under the “Programs” tab.

Photo: Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson (right) accepts the award certificate from Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Immediate Past President Fred Hayes.