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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 19, 2006 Medford police receive final accredidation By CHRIS CONRAD Mail Tribune More than four years of preparation paid off for the Medford Police Department as it was awarded full accreditation through an international law enforcement commission. The final accreditation award was made last week by the Commission of the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), held in Jacksonville, Fla. "We claim to be a top-drawer department," Chief Eric Mellgren said. "But it’s one thing to say it, and another to prove it." The four-year process included on-site assessments in December by CALEA officials and a complete rewrite of the department’s policy and procedure manual, Mellgren said. "All of our policies were examined, not only to see that we’ve adopted them, but that we’re actively following them," Mellgren added. Advertisement For instance, stricter policies concerning the use of force have been implemented. Every time an officer has to subdue a suspect, no matter how minor the case may be, it has to be carefully documented. According to Mellgren, accredited agencies usually see lower insurance premiums and fewer lawsuits. Medford became the sixth agency in the state to become certified. The process cost the city approximately $7,500 and must be renewed every three years, but the renewal will run about 40 percent less than the initial cost. "It’s really a good feeling, but now we have to maintain what we’ve already achieved," he said. Mellgren said he received the support of the entire department during the process, which is in contrast to some agencies he’s witnessed who resisted accreditation. "The most passionate about it were the employees," he said. "I worked in Eugene for almost 10 years and we gave it a shot there, but couldn’t do it." Soon, every patrol car will sport the CALEA logo in recognition of the achievement. More than 700 police agencies nationally have been accredited. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail Medford police receive final accredidation ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement