PORTSMOUTH —

The Portsmouth Police Department is seeking public input as part of its three-year accreditation process.

A team of assessors from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission (RIPAC) will arrive at the police station on Feb. 18 to examine all aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

Verification by the assessment team that the department meets the commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process by which this agency seeks recognition of professional excellence in law enforcement.

As part of the onsite assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the assessment team by telephone.  

The public is invited to contact the assessment team at 401/643-0141 from 1-2 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with RIPAC standards. A copy of the RIPAC standards are available for review at the police station. Questions concerning compliance with any of the standards may be directed to Sgt. Patrick O’Neill at 401/643-0138. 

Anyone wishing to offer written comments should address them to RIPAC Executive Director Christine Crocker at P.O. Box 7877, Cumberland, RI 02864; call 401/500-2075; or e-mail crocker.riapc@cox.net.

Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those applicable standards under which they were accredited.