LEWISTON – For the fourth time, the city’s Police Department has met the criteria to remain a nationally accredited agency.

Lewiston is still the only police department in Maine to earn the honor. The LPD is one of approximately 500 around the nation to be nationally accredited.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, as they have several times over the past decade, evaluated police in Lewiston on several levels.

This commission developed a comprehensive set of written standards covering every aspect of law enforcement policies, procedures, practices and operations. The standards were designed to:

• increase law enforcement agencies capabilities to prevent and control crime;

• increase effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of police services;

• increase cooperation with other law enforcement agencies; and

• increase employee and resident confidence in the goals, objectives, policies and practices.

Lewiston police Chief William Welch said of the distinction: “Being evaluated by other highly regarded professionals within the law enforcement profession, we can be assured that we are providing the most current, efficient and effective services to the City of Lewiston.”