Public can take part in session for Harper police accreditation
A team from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program will be at the Harper College Police Department Nov. 2-4 to examine all aspects of the Harper College Police Department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
The Harper College Police Department has chosen to undergo this voluntary process to gain accreditation, which has been a top priority for Chief of Police John R. Lawson.
Accreditation will demonstrate the agency has achieved a level of professionalism among its law enforcement peers and validate the methods of service its members provide to the community in which they serve.
In addition to improving the department's relationship with the Harper College community, accreditation improves accountability while limiting liability and risk exposure.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency personnel, elected officials, members of the college community and surrounding community are invited to call in with their comments during a public information session from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at (847) 925-6662.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department's ability to meet ILEAP standards.
A copy of the standards is available to view on the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police website (ILEAP Manual). The local contact is Accreditation Manager Chief of Police John R. Lawson.
Written comments discussing the Harper College Police Department's ability to meet standards for accreditation should be mailed or emailed to: Harper College Police Department, Attn: ILEAP Accreditation Process, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067, or via email at jahmer@macombpolice.com
Acquiring accreditation is an important achievement for both the department and the college community. The assessment team comprises public safety practitioners from other agencies in Illinois. The assessors will review written material, interview individuals, visit officers and elected officials, and inspect other locations where compliance can be witnessed.
The assessors are Lieutenant Jeff Hamer, Macomb Illinois Police Department, and Chief Tony Brown, Rantoul Illinois Police Department.
Once ILEAP assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the ILEAP Committee Council of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. The files are reviewed and distributed to the ILEAP council and acted on at the council's next meeting, which will then decide if the agency will be granted accredited status.
Accreditation lasts for four years. To maintain accreditation status, the Harper College Police Department must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with those standards, under which it was initially accredited.