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Law Enforcement
Code of Ethics
Asa law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to
serve the community; to safeguard lives and property;
to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against
oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence
or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to
liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will
behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to
my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly minds
of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my
personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law a
the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a
confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capac
be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the perform
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or
friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and the relentless prosecution of
criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never
employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so
long as
I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I
condone
such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their
representatives
in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every
reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession. .
law enforcement.
Strategic Plan Page 1
Table of Contents
Message from the Chief ...................................... Page 3
Mission.............................................................. Page 4
History................................................................ Page 5
Command Staff Team .......................................... Page 6-7
Divisions............................................................ Page 8
Strategic Plan ...................................................... Page 9-19
Message from the Chief
I am proud to present the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Port Orchard Police
Department. This process is a continuation of the strategies we have employed since 2021
and included input from our staff, community members, and regional partners.
We have established realistic and attainable goals — both short- and long-term. These
goals will drive us as we grow with our community and continue to maintain our status
amongst the finest agencies in the State of Washington.
The Port Orchard Police Department prides itself in being a valuable member of the
community. Working together to solve problems is not optional. We maintain our public
trust by continuing to engage as partners and holding to the high ethics of our service.
This plan is a living document that will serve as our guide for the next five years. Our
established goals are measurable and achievable. Community input on our progress and
outcomes, both formally through our Community Advisory Board and informally through
our daily conversations, is incredibly important as we continue to move forward and adapt
to challenges. I encourage you to read it in depth and ask us the questions that hold us
accountable to our shared goals.
Thank you for continuing to put your trust in us as we work towards an ever safer, more
inclusive, and progressive community.
Matt Brown
Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Page 3
MISSION
It is the Mission of the Port Orchard Police Department to protect the lives, property, and rights of all
members of our community. We will work to reduce crime, and the fear of crime, while remaining
proactive and innovative in our approach to the enforcement of the law. Our community shall know
we are all members of one team through our transparency, accountability, and engagement.
VISION
Our Vision is to be amongst the finest law enforcement agencies in the State of Washington; one
which constantly delivers the highest quality public service to make the City of Port Orchard one of
the safest communities in the nation.
VALUES
SERVICE
Serving the Port Orchard community is our
greatest honor and privilege. We will do so
in an impartial, courteous, responsive,
efficient, and humble manner. We will work
hand in hand with all members of our
community to solve problems that affect
public safety.
HONOR
We hold ourselves accountable to the
highest standards of our profession while
valuing equality, diversity, and individual
rights. Our badge is a symbol of public
faith; we accept it as a public trust so long
as we are true to the ethics of our service.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is our standard for we shall always do what is
morally, ethically, and legally right. We are honest and
truthful in our words and actions. Our integrity will build trust
and confidence, for this is our defense against corruption.
Strategic Plan Page 4
Nestled along the scenic shoreline of Sinclair Inlet, the City of Port Orchard has a proud and storied past.
Originally named Sidney in 1890, it became the first incorporated town in Kitsap County. In its early days, the
area thrived with a bustling timber industry, pottery works, and rich agricultural opportunities. Just a few
years later, in 1893, the residents of Sidney built and donated a courthouse to the county, earning the honor
of becoming the county seat. A decade later, in 1903, a dispute over the regional post office led to the town's
official renaming as Port Orchard.
From its beginnings, Port Orchard has been a vibrant waterfront community with strong ties to the US Navy
and civilian -led "Mosquito Fleet." Law enforcement started with a town marshal who not only kept the peace
in the rough-and-tumble early days but also took on tasks like installing and maintaining the town's wooden
sidewalks.
MUNICIPAL
By 1941, the city had
grown enough to establish
its own police
department. The first
officers wore light blue
uniforms inspired by the
Seattle Police
Department, complete
with five -pointed caps and
revolvers. The look
marked the beginning of a
more formal public safety
presence.
Today, the Port Orchard is
home to more than 19,000
residents and serves the
broader South Kitsap
community, which
includes nearly 97,000
people. With more growth
on the horizon,
the city is expected to welcome an additional 4,000 residents over the next five years. Covering 11.2 square
miles, 15% of which lies within Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
The Port Orchard Police Department has grown into a modern, full -service public safety agency. With
twenty-eight commissioned and certified peace officers, a seasoned reserve officer, and a professional staff
of five, the department is committed to proactive policing and community engagement. Officers patrol both
the city and its waterways, working side by side with residents to keep Port Orchard safe, connected, and
thriving.
Strategic P1an Page 5
Command Staff
Chief Matt Brown brings 25 years of law enforcement experience to his role, along
with a deep commitment to public service and leadership. He holds an Executive
Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington and is a proud
graduate of both Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command
and PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police. Since joining the Port Orchard
Police Department in July 2019, Chief Brown has focused on driving meaningful
change, strengthening community trust, and mentoring the next generation of law
enforcement leaders.
Deputy Chief Andy Brandon oversees the Operations Division and has over two
decades of law enforcement experience, including 17 years with the Port Orchard
Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is
a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. In
January 2026, he will be attending the FBI's prestigious National Academy. His
career path has included serving as a School Resource Officer, detective, and
multi -discipline instructor in firearms, less lethal, and patrol tactics. He serves as
the commander for the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team, demonstrating his
commitment to regional collaboration and high -stakes leadership.
Deputy Chief Alan Iwashita joined the department in 2024 after a 25 -year career
with the Westminster (CA) Police Department, retiring as a commander. A graduate
of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and the California Police Chiefs'
Association's Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker, he oversees the
Administrative Division, including the General Investigation Unit (GIU). DC
Iwashita's graduate studies include Marriage & Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling,
and Business Management from Brandman and Azusa Pacific Universities.
Strategic P1an Page 6
Sergeant Trey Holden has 24 years of law enforcement experience, backed by strong academic
foundation with a Master of Science in Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice Administration. Before joining the department, he proudly served as a US Marine,
a commitment to service that continues to shape his leadership today. As a patrol sergeant, he •
values the daily connections he builds with his community and staff. He also leads the Marine
Services Unit and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team.
Sergeant Donna Main has 16 years of law enforcement experience, all in service with the Port
Orchard Police Department. A life-long resident of the city, she fosters positive change in
collaboration with community members by embracing the department's values of Service, Honor,
and Integrity. Sgt. Main holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Psychology.
She is also a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy award.
Sergeant Josh Horsley brings 25 years of law enforcement experience to our agency, beginning
with Nevada Corrections and six years with the Jackson (WY) Police Department. He has been with
the Port Orchard Police Department for the last thirteen years and currently serves as the sergeant
in charge of the General Investigation Unit. Sergeant Horsley is a graduate of Northwestern
University's School of Police Staff and Command and a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.
He believes in a positive attitude and is committed to contributing to the department's continued
growth and excellence.
Sergeant Jon Eilertson has been with the Port Orchard Police Department for nine years and
currently serves as both a night shift supervisor and the field training coordinator. Prior to serving
the citizens of Port Orchard, he served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps and played collegiate
baseball. Sergeant Eilertson has a passion for mentoring and developing the agency's new officers
while instilling the department's mission, vision, and values.
Sergeant Mike Miulli has served with the Port Orchard Police Department for two and a half
years, where he works in patrol and serves as a Field Training Officer. Before joining Port Orchard
PD, he was a member of the Poulsbo Police Department. Prior to his law enforcement career,
Sergeant Miulli served 11 years in the United States Army. He is deeply committed to mentoring
and developing new officers, fostering excellence and professionalism within the department.
Police Services Coordinator Cyndi Circelli serves as the lead professional staff member for the
Administrative Services Division and has been with the department since 2000. She has a
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. In
addition to her regular duties, Ms. Circelli also serves as the department's Certified Public
Records Officer.
Strategic P1an Page 7
Divisions
Office of the Chief
The Chief of Police plays a key role in leading the department, maintaining its positive culture, and building strong
relationship with our community. As part of the city's executive team, the Chief works closely with the Mayor and is
directly accountable to the people of Port Orchard.
Operations
The Operations Division is composed of dedicated uniformed peace officers who serve as the frontline of public safety
for the City of Port Orchard. These officers are responsible for patrolling the city's neighborhoods, responding swiftly to
calls for service, and proactively identifying emerging crime trends. Their role extends beyond enforcement of the law;
officers are visible, approachable members of the community who build trust through consistent, meaningful
interactions. Whether it is assisting during a crisis, attending local events, or simply engaging with community members,
these officers are the face of our agency. Their relationships strengthen public confidence and contribute to a safer, more
connected Port Orchard.
Administrative Services
This division is divided into two areas, our General Investigation Unit (GIU) and our professional staff. The professional
staff not only provide public -facing service, but are responsible for the handling of department records, permits, and the
everyday non -emergency needs of the community. Their responsibilities include organizing and maintaining both criminal
and non -criminal case reports, processing public records requests, and managing all departmental documentation. They
also oversee the secure handling and storage of property and evidence in our on -site facility, ensuring every item is
property logged and preserved.
The GIU focuses on complex criminal investigations that require detailed follow-up. These cases often involve serious
offenses such as crimes against children, violent crimes, major property crimes, and other large-scale investigations.
Every member of the GIU is also part of the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT), a regional independent
investigation unit. While the state's Office of Independent Investigation now oversees all fatal officer -involved shootings,
KCIRT continues to lead investigations into non -fatal shootings and other significant incidents that demand additional
expertise and resources.
Strategic P1an Page 8
The Strategic Planning Process
To ensure our process was as inclusive as possible we requested input from our community, our
regional partners, elected officials, and our staff. The following is a summary of this input:
Community Partners
The police department maintains a nine -member Community Advisory Board that brings together
voices from across Port Orchard. This diverse group includes representatives from local businesses,
faith -based and service organizations, the nearby US Naval base, and residents from the broader
community. Their role throughout the year is to offer feedback, share community concerns, and help
guide the department's efforts to stay connected, transparent, and responsive to the people we
serve.
Public Safety Partners
Input was solicited from the executives of all our regional law enforcement partner agencies, to
include South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Their perspectives are vital in helping us to align our strategic
priorities, strengthen interagency collaboration, and ensure we're addressing the broader public
safety needs of our community.
Police Department Employees
No one understands the inner workings of our department better than the people who keep it
running every day. Their firsthand experience and insights were vital in shaping a strategic plan that's
both practical and forward -thinking. By tapping into their knowledge, we're ensuring our goals reflect
the realities of the job and maintain our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Strategic P1an Page 9
Goal #1 -Community Engagement
1.1 Outreach Events
The department remains committed to deepening its connection with the community by
expanding participation in local events and launching dedicated outreach initiatives. Over the
past several years, our officers and professional staff have collaborated with the fire
department on reading programs, food drives, and a variety of community -centered events.
Building on this foundation, the department will broaden its outreach efforts to engage a
more diverse cross-section of the community through the following initiatives:
•Chief of Police Community Meetups: Intimate gatherings hosted at local businesses, offering
residents the opportunity to engage directly with the Chief of Police in a relaxed,
approachable setting.
•Police Department Open House: A welcoming event at the department designed to
familiarize community members with our operations, introduce them to the officers that
serve them, and foster transparency and trust through face-to-face interaction in our working
environment.
I
Strategic P1an Page 10
1.2 Recruitment Plan
As our department continues to grow alongside the community, streamlining the hiring
process is essential. We aim to make recruitment easier, faster, and more efficient — while
remaining committed to selecting individuals who embody a spirit of service and reflect the
diversity of our region
To that end, the department will develop a formal Recruitment Plan designed to achieve the
following objectives:
1.Recruit individuals with a heart for service
2.Promote diversity in backgrounds and experiences
3.Build a team that mirrors our multicultural city
4.Foster a strong commitment to the Kitsap community
1.3 Community Advisory Board
The community advisory board continues to be a valued partner of the police department,
offering a space for open dialogue between community representatives and agency
leadership. The board provides a platform to discuss urgent public safety concerns and
ongoing, embedded issues that affect daily life in Port Orchard.
Although the board's activity has slowed in recent years, we're committed to revitalizing its
role. Our goal is to hold meetings at least quarterly and to foster consistent, meaningful
participation. As we move forward, the department will continue to actively seek members
who reflect the diversity of our city. At a minimum, we aim to include representatives from
the following groups:
o Business
o Faith -based
o Education
o Neighborhood organizations
o Service groups
o Justice -aligned groups
o Military/Government
o Community members -at -large
Strategic P1an Page 11
Goal #2 — Communication
2.1 Increased use of social media and an updated website
The department continues to maintain a robust online presence through platforms
such as Facebook and Instagram, which have proven effective in fostering community
engagement. We remain committed to expanding our online reach and enhancing our
connection with residents.
To support this goal, we will implement the following initiatives:
1. Website Revamp (2026): As the city partners with a new website
provider, our social media team will play a key role in shaping the
department's updated site. The new platform will feature interactive
tools such as crime statistics and analysis, along with accessible
public safety resources and educational content tailored to our
community.
2. Quarterly Community Newsletter: We will launch a digital
newsletter to keep residents informed about upcoming outreach
events, share personal safety tips, and highlight stories that reflect our
dedication to the Kitsap community.
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Strategic P1an Page 12
2.2 Emergency Management Communication
The police department serves as the lead for the city's emergency management
response to critical incidents. To do so, it must maintain a robust outward facing
communication plan that ensures timely and inclusive outreach to all members of the
community, regardless of socioeconomic status or access to technology.
To enhance this capability, the department will strengthen its partnership with
Kitsap County's Department of Emergency Management by leveraging the
following tools:
• Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) - a national
platform used the send emergency alerts and warnings to the public
through multiple communication pathways such as the Emergency
Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and NOAA
Weather Radio, to disseminate messages simultaneously and locally.
• Rave Communications — a complementary system that utilizes pre -
scripted messaging to send targeted emergency alerts to geo-fenced
areas, enhancing precision and outreach.
• Automated Emergency Alert System — a fixed -base infrastructure that
broadcasts audible voice messages and alerts to the downtown core
and other critical areas throughout the city. This system integrates with
external resources to provide real-time alerts for severe weather
events, earthquakes, and tsunami advisories.
Strategic Plan Page 13
2.3 Strategic Communications Plan
To enhance communication with both our community and regional partners, the department
will develop a comprehensive Strategic Communications Plan. This plan will be designed to
ensure a more agile response to community needs, establish a library of pre -planned
messaging, and outline effective strategies for leveraging traditional media, digital platforms,
and public engagement.
• Key components of the plan should be:
• Enhanced Social Media Training: Provide ongoing training for the social media
team and Public Information Officers to ensure effective, timely, and inclusive
messaging.
• Community Advisory Board (CAB) Engagement: Collaborate with CAB to identify
underserved areas and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.
• Department -Wide Brand Building: Engage all staff in reinforcing and promoting
the department's brand, mission, vision, and values.
• Leadership Communication Development: Expand training opportunities for
command staff and Public Information Officers in public speaking, media
relations, and crisis communication to strengthen leadership presence and trust
during critical events.
Strategic Plan Page 13
Goal #3 — Employee Development
Training
Our community deserves peace officers and public safety staff that are highly trained and fully prepared to
serve. In Washington State, officers are required to complete 24 hours of annual training to maintain their
certification; we believe this is only a starting point. To meet the evolving needs of Port Orchard, we've
committed to going well beyond the minimum.
Over the past five years, our officers have averaged 128 hours of training annually in critical areas like de-
escalation, patrol tactics, and procedural justice. This investment reflects our belief that continuous
learning is essential for professional growth, building trust, and delivering the kind of service our
community deserves. Our training programs are designed to adapt and grow, ensuring our team is ready to
meet today's challenges and tomorrow's expectations.
3.1 Annual & Master Training Plans
In 2022, the department took a major step forward in professional development by creating two key
training documents — the Annual Training Plan and the Master Training Plan. These are now scheduled for
review to ensure they continue to reflect the right priorities and meet the evolving needs of our team and
community.
• Annual Training Plan: This plan lays the foundation for yearly training by covering all core
competencies and mandated areas. It also plays a critical role in helping us schedule staff
efficiently and managing training/equipment-related budget needs.
• Master Training Plan: Designed as a long-term roadmap, this plan outlines expectations for
internal roles such as leadership, investigations, and other specialized assignments. It
helps guide career development and ensures staff understand the skills and training needed
to grow into new responsibilities.
3.2 Commitment to Leadership Training and Succession Planning
Strong leadership is a skill that requires ongoing development and intentional investment. The department
remains firmly committed to forty -hours of additional annual leadership training for its command staff
team. Respected instructors at the local, state, and national levels bring in fresh perspectives, challenge
assumptions, and sharpen our leadership approach.
To ensure our leaders are equipped with the best tools and insights, we will prioritize participation in
nationally recognized programs like the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police,
Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy.
Strategic P1an Page 14
3.3 Officer Wellness
Peace officers face experiences that can deeply impact their mental health. Our professional staff,
who regularly view raw body camera footage, are also exposed to difficult content. To maintain a
healthy department and healthy employees, we must continue to prioritize mental health and
resiliency.
• 1st Watch Wellness: The department received a two-year grant to join 1st Watch
Wellness, giving staff access to trauma -informed mental health professionals who
understand challenges facing first responders. The program also offers online wellness
education, surveys, and access to immediate support. Beginning in 2027, the
department will need to fund this program internally.
• Regional Peer Support Team: Recent legislation now allows peer support team
members from different agencies to collaborate more easily. While informal
partnerships have existed in Kitsap County for years, the department will work to
formalize a workgroup with structured training, seminars, and expanded resources.
Strategic P1an Page 15
Goal #4 Maintained & Expanded Service Levels
As our community continues to grow, so too does the workload of our department. Shifting
expectations and emerging priorities challenge us to innovate, adapt, and strive to maintain the high
levels of service our community expects. To meet these demands, we must engage in strategic
planning that addresses staffing needs and the development of specialized programs and units —
ensuring we are equipped to respond effectively to the evolving concerns of our community.
4.1 Police Staffing Study
Since 2019, community -based calls for service, those initiated through 911, have increased by over
40%. This growing demand places increased pressure on department resources, limiting our
capacity for proactive efforts such as traffic enforcement. As workloads rise, response times may
lengthen, and certain lower -priority calls, such as minor collisions, risk becoming unserviceable.
To address these challenges, the department will pursue resources to conduct a comprehensive
staffing study. The goals of the study will include:
• Aligning resources with community needs: Ensure staffing levels reflect actual workload and service
expectations, rather than relying solely on traditional benchmarks like population or crime rates.
• Optimizing resource allocation: Analyze workload distribution to deploy personnel more effectively.
• Improving service delivery: Identify strategies to enhance response times, investigative capacity, and
overall public safety services.
• Supporting strategic planning and budgeting: Provide data -driven insights to guide budget requests
and long-term decisions around hiring, training, and service priorities.
• Identifying staffing shortfalls: Reveal gaps in current coverage and assess whether existing staffing
levels meet community demands.
• Informing operational changes: Recommend changes to patrol schedules, integration of professional
staff for administrative duties, and other efficiency -focused strategies.
• Addressing recruitment and retention: Explore factors that contribute to turnover and develop
targeted approaches to attract and retain qualified staff.
Strategic Plan Page 16
4.2 Specialty Units
As community expectations change, it is important to improve the department's resources to address
adaptive problems. The community has expressed the desire for the department to proactively improve
quality of life and public safety issues. The creation of a specialty unit, dedicated to actively engaging with
problem -oriented policing, would permit the department to address these concerns.
Proactive Enforcement Team
A dedicated two -officer team will be established to proactively address criminal hot spots, traffic
enforcement, and issues in the downtown core. This model enables law enforcement to focus on long-term
strategic concerns without the responsibility of responding to calls for service. By employing strategies such
as community engagement and directed patrols, the department aims to prevent crime before it occurs,
rather than reacting after the fact. This team's focused response is expected to address specific concerns
while reducing the overall volume of service calls, thereby easing the workload for patrol officers.
School Resource Officer (SRO)
Since 2021, the department has been unable to staff an SRO position in partnership with the South Kitsap
School District. Both the agency and the district recognize the importance of this role in enhancing school
safety. SROs serve as a visible deterrent to crime, provide critical support during emergencies, and build
positive relationships between law enforcement and students by acting as educators, informal counselors,
and mentors. As staffing levels improve and workload pressures ease, the department plans to reengage
with this valuable program.
Canine (K9) Program
While there are several K9 teams in I<itsap County, their availability remains limited. Over the past several
years, the demand for these units has increased, underscoring the need to enhance officer safety, expand
the use of de-escalation tools, and improve the efficiency of apprehending violent subjects.
To address this growing need, the department should consider adding a dedicated 1<9 officer position. This
addition would:
• Supplement Patrol Operations: A K9 unit can assist in high -risk situations, building searches, and
suspect tracking, reducing risk to officers and increasing operational effectiveness.
• Enhance Public Safety Across Jurisdictions: An additional K9 unit would be available for mutual
aid — improving response times and coordination across Kitsap County.
• Support Community Engagement: K9 units that are dual trained in narcotics or explosives
detection can support investigations, assist in search warrants, and contribute to safer outcomes.
• Provide Cost -Effective Results: While initial investment is required, K9 units often reduce the
need for extended manpower during searches and can lead to quicker resolutions in critical
incidents.
As staffing levels improve, establishing a 1(9 program would be a strategic investment in officer safety and
community well-being.
Strategic Plan Page 17
4.3 Police Department Facility
The police department is currently located on the first floor of City Hall, a building originally
occupied in 1999. In 2024, the department underwent a significant remodel while remaining
within its existing footprint.
Since 1999, the number of commissioned and professional staff has more than doubled,
from 16 to 33. As the agency has expanded, so has the need for additional space to
accommodate personnel, evidence, and equipment. To meet these demands, the
department now leases a 2,000 -square -foot warehouse and a three -suite office for the
General Investigation Unit.
Given this continued growth, the department should begin exploring options for a
standalone facility. Ideally, this facility would be centrally located within the city to ensure
equitable access for community members and support efficient emergency response
operations.
By planning strategically for the future needs of both the community and the agency, the
new facility should be designed to serve the police department for several decades.
Strategic Plan Page 18
Goal #5 — Maintain Accreditation through the Washington Association of
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).
The Port Orchard Police Department first achieved accreditation through WASPC in 2021 and
successfully completed its re -accreditation in 2025. WASPC's formal review process operates on a
four-year cycle, requiring the department to pursue its next re -accreditation in 2029.
Accreditation serves to elevate professionalism within law enforcement by certifying agencies that
adhere to established best practices and industry standards. In 1976, the Washington State Legislature
tasked WASPC with developing statewide standards and goals for law enforcement. Since then, the
Association has maintained a robust accreditation program to support this mandate.
The current accreditation program, established in 2007, is governed by three bodies:
• Professional Services Committee: maintains and updates accreditation standards.
• Accreditation Commission: Reviews on -site assessment reports and provides
recommendations.
• Board of Directors: Grants final accreditation status.
Key Benefits of Accreditation:
• Enhances public trust and agency credibility
• Facilitates structured self -assessment and continuous improvement
• Expands organizational perspective and operational efficiency
• Promotes fairness in recruitment, selection, and promotion
• Strengthens personnel understanding of policies and procedures
• Boosts morale across the agency
• Reduces exposure to litigation and costly settlements
• May lower liability insurance premiums
• Recognizes professional competence at state and local levels
Currently, only 20% of law enforcement agencies in Washington State have earned WASPC
accreditation. Kitsap County stands out as the only county in the state where all local agencies are
accredited.
Strategic P1an Page 19
Acknowledgments
In addition to our own staff, we would like to thank all our regional partners who helped guide this process
by helping to identify goals, expectations, and vision.
Rob Putaansuu
John Gese
Shane Wood
Mayor
Sheriff
General Manager
City of Port Orchard
Kitsap County
Port Orchard Ford
Fred Chang
Ron Harding
Sam Smith
Councilmember
Chief of Police
Executive Director
City of Port Orchard
City of Poulsbo
PO Waterfront Alliance
Scott Diener
Tom Wolfe
Jaclyn Williams
Councilmember
Chief of Police
Executive Director
City of Port Orchard
City of Bremerton
SK Chamber of Commerce
Heidi Fenton
Jeff Faucett
Councilmember
Fire Chief
City of Port Orchard
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
John Morrisey
Maria Jameson Owns
Councilmember
Executive Director
City of Port Orchard
Kitsap 911
Jay Rosapepe
Tim Winter
Councilmember
Superintendent
City of Port Orchard
South Kitsap School District
MarkTrenary
Marybeth Foxworth
Councilmember
Community Member
City of Port Orchard
South Kitsap Rotary
Eric Worden
Jewel Shepherd -Sampson
Councilmember
Community Member
City of Port Orchard
Small Business Owner
Denis Ryan
Darius "Sam" Sampson
Public Works Director
Community Member
City of Port Orchard
US Navy - Retired
Joe Clark
Denita Patton
Chief of Police
Community Member
City of Bainbridge Island
NAACP - Lifetime Member
Julie Fisher
Anthony Pittenger
Captain
Lead Pastor
Washington State Patro
Bethany Lutheran Church
Strategic P1an Page 20