Administrative Brief
COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
VOL. 31 NO. 20
July 9,2009
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEF FROM JIM HILL
Law Enforcement Accreditation
Department-wide preparation has been underway for the past several months, in anticipation
of our upcoming re-accreditation on-site inspection, scheduled for December 5-8. Assessors
from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will spend four days in
Salina, critically reviewing all aspects of the police department's management and operations
to ensure that our policies, procedures and practices are conceptually sound, operationally
effective, and in compliance with nationally recognized professional police standards.
Law enforcement accreditation is very similar in nature to the accrediting process associated
with the fields of education and health care, and its award symbolizes professionalism,
excellence and competence in the delivery of services. By seeking accreditation,
organizations (such as schools, hospitals and law enforcement agencies) agree to be
measured by and conform to nationally recognized standards. The process provides a report
card for the public, and assures members of the community that their educational, medical or
law enforcement provider is committed to providing the highest quality service.
The Salina Police Department was initially accredited in 1996 and most recently received re-
accredited status in 2007. After the Assessment Team completes their 2009 inspection,
members of our department will appear before the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies in March of 201 O. If we are successful, our department will receive the
prestigious award for a fifth time.
Online Crime Reportina
The user-friendly, online crime reporting service (CopLogic) launched in May of this year, has
been used by citizens to electronically file a total of 189 police reports as of June 30. These
reports represent a labor savings of approximately 283 hours, or seven 40-hour work weeks.
Citizen generated online reports have resulted in crimes cleared, and the report quality and
amount of information provided is generally very good. We anticipate expanded use of online
reporting as citizens become more familiar with the service.
July Fourth Weekend
Officers responded to 214 calls for service involving fireworks over the long holiday weekend.
Preliminary figures indicate that 105 notice to appear citations were issued for fireworks
violations, and thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks were seized. Fortunately, there
were no reports of serious injuries. However, on July 7, there was a significant, illegal
fireworks-related, apartment fire.
MONDAY'S MEETING
Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has questions or cannot
attend the meeting, please contact me.
Jason A. Gage
City Manager