The citizens of Lancaster County can take comfort in the fact that many police agencies serving our communities are already accredited and others are currently enrolled in the accreditation process. The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association introduced the Accreditation Program in the summer of 2001 and have since accredited over 147 agencies across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association introduced the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program to the Commonwealth in July 2001. Since then, over 375 agencies have enrolled, and 147 agencies currently maintain accredited status.

In the past six months there are a total of three newly accredited Lancaster County Law Enforcement agencies joining ranks of accredited agencies including the East Hempfield Township Police Department, East Lampeter Township Police Department, Ephrata Police Department, Franklin and Marshal Department of Public Safety, Lititz Police Department, Manheim Township Police Department, Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department, and the newest member agency the West Lampeter Township Police Department who was accredited this past week. This was accomplished by cooperative efforts among accredited agencies assisting those agencies seeking accredited status. This local support network strengthened the process for all with sharing of best practices and ideas.

Using the best total estimate of 31 law enforcement agencies listed on the Lancaster County 911 Center roster of law enforcement agencies, there are 8 accredited agencies. This accounts for 25.81% of law enforcement in Lancaster County being accredited. This figure should be considered from the perspective that Pennsylvania presents a unique situation as the home of over 1,231 law enforcement entities, with the accreditation rate statewide at currently estimated at 11.94 % with Lancaster County enjoying a rate twice the statewide average. While this is a “good start” there are more agencies enrolled in the process and continuing towards the goal of accreditation.

Another positive influence on the l Lancaster County policing community is participation by numerous police executives in Lancaster County serving in leadership positions within local, statewide, and national professional executive level organizations and oversight committees. This participation provides increased understanding of trends, areas of emergent training and policy applications and ultimately adoption of the best police service practices.

For more information on the PLEAC Accreditation process and standards follow this link: https://pcpa.memberclicks.net/accreditation-home