According to a news release, the Griffin Police Department (GPD) is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve re-accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards.

Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas — policy and procedures, administration, operation and support services.

More specific areas include compensation, grievance and disciplinary procedures, patrol, criminal investigation, internal affairs, victim and witness assistance, crime prevention and community relations, traffic and prisoner transportation, among others.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

During that session, members of the community can speak with any of the assessors in reference to the police department’s accreditation process, though comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the GPD’s ability to comply with professional standards. Copies of those standards are available at the GPD, at 868 W. Poplar St. and City Hall, at 100 S. Hill St.

Another way to provide input is to contact the assessment team on the same day between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. by calling 770-229-6450, ext. 797. Phone comments are also limited to 10 minutes.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the GPD’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcore Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155.

The Griffin Police Department is currently certified through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.