The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for overseeing internal administrative investigations and the accreditation process.

The Lieutenant assigned to the Office of Professional Standards reports directly to the Chief of Police and has one civilian employee assigned to Accreditation.

Administrative Investigations

As part of the division’s functions, Lieutenant Chris Bender reviews all departmental policies and procedures to ensure fairness and consistency in the investigative process regarding Administrative investigations and staff inspections. The office is also responsible for tracking all citizen complaints, supervisory inquiries, use of force reports, traffic crashes, lost or damaged equipment, mediation reports, after action reports and random employee drug testing.

In all cases, the Office of Professional Standards submits its findings to the Chief of Police for review and disposition. In matters of criminal misconduct and civil liability, the Office of Professional Standards serves as liaison between the City Attorney's Office, State Attorney's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement or other agencies.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a progressive and contemporary way of helping police agencies evaluate and improve their overall performance. It provides formal recognition that an organization meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

An accreditation certificate is awarded by an independent reviewing committee who conducts an on-site evaluation of the agencies policies, procedures and practices. The agency must meet hundreds of specific requirements and proscribed standards. The criteria--or standards--by which agencies are measured specify what should be addressed in agency policies and procedures. The standards evaluate all facets of an agency including administration, internal affairs operations, investigations, patrol, personnel, prisoner and court security, traffic, use of police force, and more.

The Fort Pierce Police Department is currently accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc.(CFA).

For more information Email Lieutenant Christopher Bender