Release posted on 06-17-21 at 8:15 a.m.

The St. Petersburg Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of the re-accreditation process with the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). "Verification by the team that the St. Petersburg Police Department meets the Commission's standards is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence", said Anthony Holloway, Chief of St. Petersburg Police.

A team of assessors from the CFA will arrive July 27, 2021, and spend two days examining all aspects of the St. Petersburg Police Department's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The St. Petersburg Police Department has to comply with approximately 98 Core Competency standards in order to receive accredited status. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, and safety issues.

As part of the assessment, agency members and the members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 727-893-4900 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team and the telephone calls will not be screened or recorded. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with CFA Core Competency Standards. The standards can be viewed online at:

https://public.powerdms.com/COFLEA/documents/2286051

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the St. Petersburg Police Department's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, or email: flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the St. Petersburg Police Department is Ms. Deborah Furka. The Assessment Team is composed of law enforcement members from other similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials, conduct interviews, and visit offices and other areas where compliance can be witnessed. This is part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation.

Once the Commission's assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then determine if the agency is to receive accredited status. St. Petersburg Police Department has been accredited by the CFA since 2003 and this renewal would be valid for three more years.