On January 26, 2023, the West Lampeter Township Police Department became accredited through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. Accreditation is an ongoing process whereby the WLTPD is required to establish policies and procedures that conform to established criteria, called standards. There are currently well over 100 standards which have to be met before an agency can become accredited.    

PLEAC standards address four main areas, which are;

• Standards for Organization and Management Role
• Standards for Law Enforcement Functions
• Standards for Staff Support Responsibilities
• Pennsylvania Legal Mandates

   The Department’s compliance to established standards is then verified by three assessors during mock and on-site assessments. The assessors thoroughly review the Department’s written directives, hiring, training, services provided, equipment and other proofs of compliance. The assessors tour the Department facility, conduct interviews and ride along with uniformed patrol officers. If the Department is able to prove compliance with all applicable standards, then the agency is eligible for accreditation. This status is only bestowed upon the agency after a concurring vote by the Commission. The WLTPD was unanimously awarded its accredited status by this Commission.  

      The WLTPD is extremely proud to be among the 10% of law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to achieve this status. We believe that accreditation affects every component of the Department and ensures the community we serve is receiving professional police services.   

   The WLTPD accreditation is managed by a police supervisor, with support from every member of the police department, sworn and civilian alike. Everyone here plays a vital role in our mission to provide the best service possible. 

There are many benefits to being an accredited agency. Generally speaking, accreditation;

• Establishes a credible framework for evaluating agency practices and procedures,
• Reduces agency risk and exposure to lawsuits,
• Decreases some liability insurance expenditures,
• Improves law enforcement-community relations,
• Increases employee input, interaction and confidence in the agency,
• Enlarges the outlook and viewpoint of managers, officer and employees,
• Identifies and highlights the capabilities and competence of the agency,
• Furnishes a solid foundation for the agency to build upon for further progress,
• Provides reliable methods to improve essential management procedures,
• Enhances agency accountability to the public and elected officials,
• Develops improved methods for providing services to the community, and
• Encourages problem-solving activities within the agency