Bloomsburg Police Department recently became the 16th municipal force in the Commonwealth and the first in Columbia County to gain accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

According to Chief Leo Sokoloski, the department was one of the first to register for the three year Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program initiated in July 2001. About 200 of the state’s 1200 municipal police department have enrolled.

“Accreditation is a voluntary endeavor that requires a lot of hard work and commitment at all levels of the organization,” the chief said. “To be accredited, a department must show compliance with 123 minimum standards.”

The program includes three phases: application, self-assessment and formal assessment.

- Application: Former mayor Mary Lenzini Howe and Town Council endorsed the project and authorized the $100 application fee. All other expenses were covered by the chiefs of police association.

- Self-assessment: Officer Ramon Welkom served as the department’s accreditation manager after receiving training in Harrisburg. In his role, he compared the department’s policies and procedures with the program’s standards. The department hosted a mock assessment in January and February designed to reveal deficiencies.

- Formal assessment: Three trained assessors conducted an onsite review May 6 and 7, checking agency files to ensure compliance with standards. “They go through every sheet of paper. They look at policies, accounting practices, methods for handling evidence and reports. They check the department’s vehicles, holding areas and cells,” Sokoloski said.

The assessors suggest 32 minor changes to meet accreditation status. Accreditation, effective July 10, remains valid for three years.

“Our department’s motto is ‘commitment to excellence and service to the public,’ “ Sokoloski said. “We aim for excellence in all aspects of police operations, ranging from clearly defined policies and procedures to consistent and impartial service to the public. The accreditation process shows that we are committed to serving all area residents professionally and fairly.”

Accreditation carries several other benefits, such as liability insurance savings, greater employee accountability and stronger community relations, he added.

Sokoloski said other accredited agencies include Mahoning Township in Montour County and a number of departments in suburban Philadelphia.

Bloomsburg Police Department’s 16 full-time and 11 part-time officers serve a community of 12,365 year-round residents and 8,333 Bloomsburg University students.