ROGERS -- Representatives for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies held a public forum Monday to gather input on the operation of Rogers' Police Department.
The Police Department began the application for its third cycle of accreditation with the commission Sunday.
Public input
Those who didn’t make it to the Rogers Police Public Forum can submit comments by mail to 1030 Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA.
Source: Deputy Chief Jason Mogh, Auburn, Maine
The focus is on "law enforcement management, to ensure that departments have compliance with all standards," said Deputy Chief Jason Mogh of Auburn, Maine, one of the two representatives. "We revisit the agency and verify that it's in compliance since it was last accredited.
The accreditation is awarded based on how the department has adhered to 189 standards, something that can be determined primarily through record keeping. This week, Mogh and Chief Tim Potts of the University of Mississippi will sift through those records accumulated over three years.
"I hope it will give the public comfort in knowing that we have to stick to national best practices," said Rogers Police Chief Hayes Minor. "These teams come in with a fine tooth comb and report (findings) to a commission."
This fall, they will also have the opportunity to interview Minor for further information.
Turnout for the public forum was low, but two people in attendance were supportive of local law enforcement.
"I've got nothing but good to say for Chief Minor and Chief Jenkins, nothing but the best about those two," said Sgt. James Harter of Fayetteville's Police Department. Harter referenced a daily email group that receives regular response from Rogers members. "We've had a working relationship for some time."
Harter is the assigned commission accreditation member for Fayetteville and before attending the meeting asked other Fayetteville police officers for input on how the two departments coordinate.
Sgt. Craig Stout, Harter reported, has a positive relationship with two members of the Rogers Police Department for the purpose of media correspondence, dissemination and with whom he works on a child car seat safety program.
Officer Jason Eddie, who is involved in the commission process and making sure standards met, also reported a good working relationship with Rogers police.
Lt. Tim Franklin told Harter the relationship between two departments is a good one.
"We have a good relationship with Rogers Police Department, and will do our part to continue it," Harter said. "Rogers has come through for us. I appreciate that relationship."
A City Council member in attendance said she knows the Police Department does a fine job because she doesn't hear complaints from residents about its performance.
"People call if garbage truck messes up, but I don't get phone calls about the Police Department," said Marge Wolf, alderwoman. "The comments I do hear about the police are that they are there and that other cities can count on it.
"We're used to having the Police and Fire Departments be here and for them to be good. We have the things to take care of us and help other cities around us. It's a great, great department."
NW News on 08/16/2016