KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis Police Department has received national accreditation for the seventh consecutive time.

Deputy Police Chief Terry Clanton and accreditation manager Lori Parker accepted the award at a recent conference of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.

“We are extremely proud to have maintained our accredited status over the years,” said Chief Woody Chavis. “Maintaining this elite status shows that we consistently serve our community with professionalism, dignity and respect. Our mission is to ensure that the citizens of Kannapolis have a safe place to call home.”  

Police accreditation is a voluntary process. By going through it, a police department invites an independent outside review to ensure the department has the most up-to-date policies, procedures and training. 

Each law enforcement agency seeking accreditation is provided a manual containing more than 480 standards addressing all facets of law enforcement management, operations and support functions. 

Accredited agencies must maintain compliance with all mandatory standards and at least 80 percent compliance with other standards. The Kannapolis Police Department was found to be in compliance with all mandatory standards and 96 percent of the nonmandatory standards.

The accrediting association conducted an on-site assessment in December, when two representatives spent four days in Kannapolis. They reviewed files, interacted with employees, spoke to residents, and rode with officers on patrol. 

Accreditation strengthens an agency’s accountability, both within the agency and the community, by setting standards that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities. 

Being accredited can limit an agency’s liability and risk exposure because it demonstrates that internationally recognized standards for law enforcement have been met.