Public comment sought on MSHP

Local teachers Gabrielle Studer of Fort Scott High School and Martha Cubbage of Nevada Regional Technical Center, in front of the Louvre, in Paris, France, during a recent teacher orientation trip. --Submitted photo

"A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., will arrive on August 22, 2009, to examine all aspects of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's policies and procedures, management, and operations and support services," Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the patrol, said. "Verification by the assessment team that the Missouri State Highway Patrol meets the Commission's standards is a vital part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation -- a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence," he said.

As part of the on-site assessment, the public and patrol employees have the opportunity to offer comments to the assessment team on the services and performance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol by calling toll-free (877) 545-5511 on Monday, Aug. 24 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the ability of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to comply with Commission standards. A copy of the standards is available in the Patrol's Research and Development Division, General Headquarters, 1510 East Elm Street in Jefferson City. The local contact person concerning access to the standards is Sergeant W. R. Lowry, telephone (573) 751-8444.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ability of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030-2215.

"The Missouri State Highway Patrol has a proud tradition of serving and protecting the citizens of this state," said Keathley. "Adhering to the standards required to maintain accreditation is a way for the Patrol to show accountability. We, as an agency, strive to provide the most effective, efficient, and professional service to the public. The commission's standards are a reflection of this mission."

Sergeant W. R. Lowry, accreditation manager for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar, but out-of-state, agencies.

The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit patrol facilities and other places where compliance can be witnessed.

The assessors are: Colonel Timothy Hazlette (Retired), team leader, Kentucky State Police; Captain Oscar Llerena, Broward County, Florida Sheriff's Office; and Sergeant Gerry R. Mouzon (retired), North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The assessors will report back to the Commission on Accreditation after completing their review of the agency. The Commission will then decide whether the Missouri State Highway Patrol is to be granted continued accredited status. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were initially accredited.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., inquiries may be addressed to the Commission at 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030-2215, by telephone to the Commission's toll-free number 1-800-368-3757, or by visiting their Web site at www.calea.org.