Honolulu police earn accreditation
By Allison Schaefers
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Honolulu Police Department is one of 600 departments of 17,000 police agencies in the nation to be accredited by a commission that recognizes excellence in law enforcement service.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
The department learned last month that it has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies.
Police Chief Lee Donohue was pleased to celebrate accreditation of the department by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The Honolulu Police Department is the fourth-largest police department to become accredited by the agency, and one of 57 major city police departments to undergo the process, said Honolulu police chief Lee Donohue.
The commission was created in 1979 by four law enforcement organizations to recognize professional excellence in law enforcement services by complying with national standards. Accreditation for law enforcement agencies is similar to that for institutions such as colleges and universities, and hospitals.
Four agencies set up the commission: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs' Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.
"This is a major achievement. There are other departments that have tried for years to become accredited but have not achieved that goal," Donohue said.
During ceremonies at the HPD headquarters, Mayor Jeremy Harris proclaimed yesterday HPD National Accreditation Day, and praised the department.
"This is a proud day for us," Harris said. "We've been telling citizens for years that they are lucky to have one of the best police departments in the United States. Now it's official."
To earn accreditation, the department had to meet more than 440 standards set by the commission in the areas of policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services, said Major Alan Fujimoto, accreditation manager.
An Internet site was created so HPD employees could instantly access departmental information, he said.
"We're running a tighter ship now," Fujimoto said. "There's a more directive leadership."
Donohue said the benefits of accreditation include recognition of professional excellence; an increase in effectiveness in delivering law enforcement services; an increase in HPD's capabilities to prevent and control crime; and an increase in employee and community confidence in the department.
"Accreditation will help in defending our department and our employees involved in civil suits for actions taken under the color of their authority," Donohue said.
The police chief said accreditation will help the department better advocate budget requests and give clout in pursuing grant applications.
The Maui Police Department was accredited by the commission in 1996.
Reach Allison Schaefers at aschaefers@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
