LCPD has successful re-accreditation

Pictured Above: Chief Gerald Butler along with the Accreditation Manager Greg Burnsed, Accreditation team member Officer Erica Johns, members of Command Staff, the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni, City Government Officials, and CFA Members.
-Photo: Submitted

LCPD: Throughout each year, the Accreditation Program Manager for the Lake City Police Department (LCPD), Officer Greg Burnsed, ensures the department’s policies and procedures are current with all changes and suggestions from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The commission provides updates after every conference, which is held three times a year. With the assistance of the Accreditation Team, which includes Officer Erica Johns and Sergeant Mike Lee, Officer Burnsed routinely conducts inspections of the necessary documentation and performs mock audits. Through these practices, the department is able to maintain professionalism and stay prepared for assessment at all times.

On November 29, 2021, a team of assessors from the CFA examined all aspects of LCPD’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The agency must comply, over a three-year period, with approximately 260 standards in order to maintain accreditation status. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, and safety issues.

The CFA assessment team was composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors reviewed written material; interviewed over two dozen individuals; and visited offices and other places where compliances needed to be verified. Upon completion of the review process, the Commission’s assessors report to the full Commission. The Commission then decides if the agency retains accreditation status.

“Being accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation is a voluntary process,” said Interim Chief of Police Gerald Butler. “The review is rigorous and shows the agency is maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.”

On Thursday February 24, 2022, Interim Chief Gerald Butler, Officer Burnsed, Officer Johns, members of Command Staff, the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni, and City Government Officials, traveled to St. Augustine, Florida for the presentation of the Certificate of Re-Accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

“By maintaining accreditation, LCPD is able to provide the best possible service to our community by holding ourselves and the department to the highest standards and practices. The teamwork and dedication of every member of our department is visible through this certification,” said Interim Chief of Police Gerald Butler. “It is important to mention this Accreditation cycle would not have been possible without the continued leadership and smooth transition provided by Past Chief Argatha Gilmore.”