LEWISTON – Chief William E. Welch announced that a team of assessors from the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. will arrive Saturday, Aug. 23, to examine all aspects of the Lewiston Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Verification by the team that the Lewiston Police Department meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25. The session will be conducted in the City Council Chambers on the first floor of the City Hall at 27 Pine St.

Those unable to attend may phone 777-2373 on Aug. 25 between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m. to offer comments.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public session will be limited in time, and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards. A copy of the standards are available for review by contacting Sgt. James Rioux at 795-9002, ext. 242.

Written comments about the Lewiston Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are welcome and should be addressed to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Va. 22030.

The teams of assessors representing the commission during the on-site visit are law enforcement practitioners from out-of-state agencies. They will review written material, interview individuals, visit offices and other areas within the department where compliance with the standards may be observed.

The assessors are: Andrew Scott, chief of the Boca Raton Police Department, Boca Raton, Fla.; Larry Dickey, deputy chief of the Grandview Police Department, Grandview, Mo.; and Larry Lantman, chief of the Milford Police Department, Milford, Ohio.

Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be awarded accredited status.

The Lewiston Police Department first achieved accredited status in 1995.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, write or call (800) 368-3757.