In Apache Junction, the local Police Department is opening its doors, inviting critique and comment from the people it serves. Slated for a rigorous two-day scrutiny on June 12 and 13, the Apache Junction Police Department (AJPD) is set to face the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) panel of assessors, with the public's voice anticipated to be a part of the judgment process.
Chief Michael Pooley has thrown down the gauntlet, welcoming the appraisal with arms wide open. "We welcome this assessment as an opportunity to demonstrate once again that our department operates at the highest standards of professionalism and accountability and that the men and women of the Apache Junction Police Department are of the highest caliber in law enforcement," he declared. An invitation has been issued for both police personnel and residents to lay bare their views on June 13, from 11 a.m. to noon via a designated phone line or through email to Sergeant Brian Pennington.
As the AJPD girds itself for the assessment, which will pore over every aspect of its policing from operations to administrative procedures, the public's input could shine a light on the agency's compliance with the demanding standards sought by ALEAP. With 175 benchmarks to hit for accreditation, this is no small task. The public can get a glimpse of these standards at AJPD's headquarters, or by reaching out to the team during the call window.
Written commentary isn't left out in the cold, either. The department encourages emails to the Accreditation Program Manager Kevin E. Rhea or letters sent to the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, to ensure each voice is heard. AJPD's commitment to the accreditation process, it's a signifier of a police force seeking excellence. The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP), the accrediting heavyweight, stands behind ALEAP as its full endorsement.
For those eyeing the latest updates on the department's progress, AJPD has plugged into the digital age, with a steady stream of information on social media. The department's quest for accreditation isn't just about meeting standards, it's a clear bid to enhance community trust and relationship—a nod to transparency in an era where it's demanded by the public at every corner.
