CLEWISTON -- A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation will arrive in Clewiston on Dec. 12 for a three-day on-site assessment. They will examine all aspects of the Clewiston Police Department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The Clewiston Police Department has to comply with numerous standards in order to receive accredited status. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, safety issues and best practices. The assessors will review written materials, interview department members and visit offices and other areas where compliance can be observed.

As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.  A copy of the standards manual is available on the CFA website at www.flaccreditation.org, under the standards tab. 

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the agency's ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please send correspondence to: CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302 or email flaaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us.

Once the commission's assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then determine if the agency is to receive accreditation. The agency's accreditation is valid for three years. 

"Verification by the team that we meet the commission's standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accredited status -- a highly prized recognition of professional excellence," said Police Chief Tom Lewis. "We are proud to show our community that we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in law enforcement."