HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 25-003 - AccreditationQ0L1C
CITY OF
PORT OROHAW
1890
May 27, 2025
PORT ORCHARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
SERVICE • HONOR • INTEGRITY
PRESS RELEASE
THE PORT ORCHARD POLICE DEPARTMENT RE -ACCREDITED FOR THE
HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF POLICING
(Port Orchard, WA) The Port Orchard Police Department successfully completed a rigorous
accreditation that certifies it is operating under best practices and standards for law enforcement.
The program is administered by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
(WASPC) and involves a seven -phase process over several months.
"We are incredibly proud to be accredited by WASPC," said Chief of Police Matt Brown. "This
confirms that our department operates at the highest professional standards, and that every day,
and in every interaction, our officers live the values of Service, Honor, and Integrity. We are also
proud to note that Kitsap County is one of the few in our state in which all law enforcement
agencies hold WASPC accreditation."
Benefits of accreditation include administrative and operational effectiveness, fair recruitment and
employment practices, better records management, improved use of technology, health and safety,
training, codes of conduct and prisoner security, among other important law enforcement tasks.
"Police accountability is important to ensure and improve public trust," said Steve Strachan,
WASPC Executive Director. "The Port Orchard Police Department took these direct and tangible
steps to earn the public's confidence in their operations. Their community should be proud of the
men and women who serve them every day."
The certification is awarded for a four-year period. The Port Orchard Police Department's 2025
accreditation follows it previous accreditation in 2021.
The Washington State Legislature originally called for the development of standards and goals for
law enforcement in 1976.
WASPC was founded in 1963 and represents executive and top management personnel from law
enforcement agencies statewide. With more than 900 members it includes the 39 elected county
sheriffs, and 240 police chiefs, as well as the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Department
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(360) 876-1700 546 Bay Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366
police@portorchardwa.gov www.portorchardwa.gov
of Corrections, and representatives of several federal agencies. Additional information on the
accreditation program can be found at https://www.waspc.org/.
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(360) 876-1700 546 Bay Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366
police@portorchardwa.gov www.portorchardwa.gov