Professional Standards
The Professional Standards Office maintains Police & Fire Accreditation operations, accepts complaints and commendations on employees, processes candidates submitting job applications, and manages departmental training events.
Southlake DPS is committed to identifying and resolving citizens' concerns in an effort to improve the quality of life in Southlake. In those efforts, the Department created the Professional Standards Unit. That Unit manages police & fire accreditation, training, records, hiring, and internal affairs. The Unit is commanded by the Professional Standards Lieutenant,
Police and Fire Accreditation
In 2000, Southlake DPS became the first police and fire agency in the country to obtain dual national accreditation. Obtaining accreditation is a mark of distinction; it recognizes the commitment on the part of each member of the agency in working toward a single goal – to meet nationally recognized standards of performance.
To obtain an accreditation status, the agency must develop a comprehensive set of written directives. Every three years, a team of assessors review those directives to ensure they are up-to-date with current case law and professional practices. In addition, the assessors inspect documented proof on each accreditation standard to ensure the agency is in compliance with their directives.
Accreditation standards emphasize preparedness programs, interaction with the community, clearly defined authority, performance standards, limiting liability exposure risks, and accountability.
The national agency managing police accreditation is the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc (CALEA).
The national agency managing fire accreditation is the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Questions about accreditation or other professional standards functions may be directed to Lt. Ben Brown at (817) 748-8207.