Article & Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Groveland Police Department (GPD) was recognized for achieving the highest level of law enforcement excellence. The department began the accreditation process through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement (CFA) in the middle of 2018 and was awarded its accreditation during a recent CFA meeting. Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey said, “This is a historical moment for the Groveland Police Department, as we celebrate the achievement of becoming an accredited law enforcement agency.”
Groveland Information Officer Sarah Panko noted, “We had three mock assessments and one formal assessment. Commander Ron Curtis served as our Accreditation Manager and was instrumental in facilitating this award honor. He re-wrote our Groveland Police Policy Manual and built more than 20 online formal training courses in a 3-year time span. He has been in law enforcement for 38 years.”
To earn accreditation, GPD is required to comply with approximately 250 standards. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, and safety issues. Accreditation is valid for 3 years. There are a total of only 404 law enforcement agencies in the State of Florida including Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, School and Port Police Departments as well as State Law Enforcement Agencies.
Only 175 law enforcement agencies including the Groveland Police Department are accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Formal Assessment Team Leader Kimberly Wachter with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, “The assessment team found the Groveland Police Department to be in compliance with all applicable mandatory and other than mandatory standards. Members were well versed in their agency’s policies and procedures.
The Groveland Police Department is known as an inspiring local enforcement agency. Sarah Panko adds, “The overall feeling among its CFA member assessors was that the Groveland Police Department (GPD) is more of a family than just a place to go to work. Most members of the agency have been there longer than the chief and deputy chief.
The GPD describes Chief Shawn Ramsey as one who is very much involved and genuinely cares about the agency’s mission and its future. More than one member expressed that accreditation was a long time coming and they are all excited that it’s finally time. Based upon the observations of the assessment team as well as the interviews conducted, it is the unanimous consensus of the assessment team that the Groveland Police Department was reviewed favorably for their initial accreditation.”
The value of Accreditation
- Increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.
- Enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency is increased.
- Commits the agency to a broad range of programs such as crime prevention that directly benefit the public.
- Creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime. This partnership will help citizens to understand the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law enforcement will, in turn, receive clear direction from the community about its expectations. Thus, a common set of goals and objectives will be arrived at and implemented.
For More Information on the Groveland Police Department CALL 352-429-4166 or visit http://groveland-fl.gov/148/Police-Department.
Both the police and fire departments are headquartered at the Groveland Public Safety Building located at 6825 Highway 50 West in Groveland. The Groveland Public Safety Office can be reached at 352-429-4166.
