Originally published on 8/14/2020
On August 6, 2020, the Alvin ISD Police Department received the award of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. This is the third time the Department has received this honor.
Beginning in 2006, the Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 168 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.
The Alvin ISD Police Department was originally recognized by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program in January of 2012. Police agencies recognized by the TPCA must undergo an onsite inspection every 4th year and this makes the second successful onsite inspection of the Alvin ISD Police Department since its original recognition.
This voluntary process required the Alvin ISD Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations. Beginning in March of 2020, the department began the lengthy process of maintaining its “Recognized” status by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the 168 Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review took place the week of July 20, 2020. The on-site review is conducted by trained Police Chiefs from other areas of our state. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognition Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Recognized” status.
On August 6, 2020, the department was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” award for the third time. The Alvin ISD Police Department was the 2ndlaw enforcement agency in Brazoria County, and the 2nd I.S.D. law enforcement agency in the State of Texas to be so recognized. To date, there are only eight I.S.D. law enforcement agencies that have achieved “Recognized” status.
The Alvin ISD Police Department has always considered itself to be one of the best in the state. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the Alvin ISD community that its Police Department is conforming to the current best practices in law enforcement.
The actual presentation of the award will take place at a future Alvin ISD Board Meeting. The department will also be recognized at the Texas Police Chiefs Association annual conference in April.
More information a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org.