Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program The New GOLD Standard for Professional Law Enforcement Operations In Texas! facebook/texasrecognition.com

What is the Recognition Program? Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program What is the Recognition Program? A SYSTEMATIC METHOD of conducting a detailed Internal Review of your department’s Policies, Procedures, Training and Operations to ensure they meet the Best Practices of Texas Law Enforcement. A VOLUNTARY Program to provide Public and Professional Recognition for those agencies who prove to Independent Assessors that they meet those standards.

What is a Best Practice? Best Practices - Example Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program What is a Best Practice? Best Practices - Example 6.01 Authorization to Use Force (E) The Agency has a written directive that authorizes designated employees to use only the level of physical force that is necessary and reasonable to achieve the desired legal objective. Discussion: None Proof of Compliance --Copy of written directive, and --Proof of training of officers in policy, or --Proof of receipt of copy of policy by officers, or --Disciplinary actions (if any.)

Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Why Do I Need to Do It??? Ensures agency is up-to-date on critical issues. Requires periodic analyses to keep CEO informed of operations and provides information for informed decisions. Requires preparedness be maintained.

Why Do I Need to Do It??? Ensures agency training is up-to-date. Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Why Do I Need to Do It??? Ensures agency training is up-to-date. Formalized critical management information systems. Revised policies and procedures provide officers with specific direction which decreases chance of lawsuits. Provides better defense to lawsuits.

What are the Benefits?? Improved Operations Improves Officer Safety Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program What are the Benefits?? Improved Operations Officers have clearer direction Reduces Risk (Risk Management) Improves Officer Safety

What are the Benefits?? Improved Credibility Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program What are the Benefits?? Improved Credibility With the Community With City Administration With the Law Enforcement Community Your Department is as Good as Any in the State!

What are the Benefits?? A Framed Certificate! Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program What are the Benefits?? A Framed Certificate! The Award is wonderful, but… The real VALUE is the Process itself. You become a better, safer and more professional department.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Application Acceptance into Program (Contract and Program Fees) Internal Review of Policies and Procedures File Development (assembling proofs of compliance) Review by Independent Assessors Report to Recognition Committee Committee Review and Awarding of “Recognized” Status

Program Costs Depends on Agency Size Sworn Officers Annual Fee Amount Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Program Costs Depends on Agency Size Sworn Officers Annual Fee Amount 1-10 $ 350.00 11-25 $ 500.00 26-50 $1,200.00 51-100 $1,600.00 101-200 $2,000.00 201 or more $2,400.00

Program Costs Additional Costs TPCA Membership for Chief of Police Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Program Costs Additional Costs TPCA Membership for Chief of Police ($3.00 per $1,000 of salary) On-Site Fees (once every four years) Final Review (est.) $ 1,500.

TML Funding Option If your agency is insured by TML – they will pay your first year’s dues. If you’re not a TML agency you might consider asking your insurer about paying the dues or reducing a premium.

History of the Program The Commission on Accreditation for Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program History of the Program The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (began in 1979) CALEA Expensive – Many Texas Cities cannot participate. TPCA Membership requested that Board investigate development of a State Accreditation Program

Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program History of the Program Standards Developed by Committee of Program Managers and Chiefs of Nationally Accredited Agencies Reviewed National Standards Reviewed Other State Program Standards Reviewed State Law Requirements Reviewed Current Federal and State Court Decisions Tested on Texas Cities

Program Philosophy Make Requirements Achievable Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Program Philosophy Make Requirements Achievable Assist Agencies in Compliance Agencies Should Not Fail

Who Runs the Program?? Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Who Runs the Program?? Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation Foundation Board of Directors Recognition Committee Program Director (staff)

Recognition Program Committee Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Who Runs the Program?? Recognition Program Committee Chief Scott Rubin, Chair Chief Mark Moeller Fair Oaks Ranch Rockwall Chief Robert Burby Chief Michael Gentry Texas City Harker Heights Chief Robert Taylor Chief Todd Hunter Amarillo Kilgore Chief Michael Sullivan Chief AJ Sandoval Farmersville, Texas Bexar County Hospital Dist. Chief Stan Standridge Abilene

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program The CEO reviews the standards to make sure the agency can meet the standards. The CEO selects a Program Manager and the Chief and PM complete training. The department begins reviewing the standards and changing policy and procedures to meet standards The PM builds the files as standards are completed. The CEO makes application, signs contract, and pays first year fees (or TML Grant) and 24 month review period starts. Recommend Policies complete, training in progress, and Property and Evidence Room in order before application. The PM submits files electronically (if applicable).

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program The Department completes Internal Review Initial Compliance Review (if necessary) On-Site Final Review Report to Recognition Committee Vote of Committee Notification of Agency Certificates and Local Presentation Annual Reports for Continued Compliance

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Methods Available Electronic Submission Through the RP.TPCAF.ORG web site

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Electronic Submission Process 114 Proofs are typically submitted electronically or by mail 51 Proofs are developed for visual confirmation at On-Site 18 Proofs submitted electronically double checked On-Site

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Electronic Submission Process Benefits Drawbacks 2 Assessor On-Site Must sometimes wait on (slightly less costly) vacancy in program Over 2/3 standards accepted prior to On-Site

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process First Steps Review Best Practices Download from Website (http://rp.tpcaf.org) Determine if there are any standards that your agency can not meet. Obtain training for Program Manager

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program VERY IMPORTANT NOTE for CHIEFS Most Critical Element: Selecting the right Program Manager! Interested in the Program Organized and Computer Literate

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program VERY IMPORTANT NOTE for CHIEFS This Program will not work if you assign this to a Program Manager and say “Go do this.” Program Manager cannot do this alone Must have your ACTIVE help!

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program VERY IMPORTANT NOTE for CHIEFS If you have joined this Program, signed the contract and your Program Manager has not submitted any Proofs of Compliance in the first SIX MONTHS, You may have made a mistake!

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program VERY IMPORTANT NOTE for CHIEFS Program Manager must have regular access to you for discussions on policy. YOU must approve policies and implement processes to prove compliance. Agency must know you are the driving force behind this effort.

Texas Recognition Program Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Program VERY IMPORTANT NOTE for CHIEFS Don’t try to just get by! Make sure your staff and Program Manager knows that if a policy needs work – don’t just insert a word to make it fit – write it the way it should be written – for clear understanding and direction for your officers!!! The Value of the Program is the PROCESS!

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Paperless File Process All Compliance Files Maintained on Computer Must have backup process Assessors provided with digital media

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Application Process Download Application Form, complete and send to TPCA office. No fee until Contract accepted

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Application Acceptance Number of agencies in Electronic Submission Phase – might be a waiting period to get started.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Assignment of Local Assessor & Program Coordinator Local Assessor selected from nearby agency Conducts Initial Visit (Can be done ahead of application if requested)

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Initial Visit and Instructions Assigned Local Assessor conducts Initial Visit and reviews Candidate Agency facility. Identifies any physical deficiencies. Ensures file construction and review process is understood.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Agency conducts Internal Review Agency makes any changes needed in policy and operations Files Developed Copies of Directives and Proofs placed in files

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Files Required Paper and/or Electronic File for each Standard (166) Each File has: Document Submission Form (Describes file contents) Copy of Written Directive (if required) Copies of Proof showing compliance with standard

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process What are Proofs of Compliance? Copies of Written Directives addressing the standard, AND Copies of receipts, reports, logs, memos, or photos proving compliance.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Resources Provided Complete Sample Policy Manual Sample Training Access to other Recognized Agency’s Policies and Procedures User’s Group (Yahoo)

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Yahoo User Group Chief and Program Managers Recognition Application NOT required Resources for policy and practice

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process How does Electronic Submission Work? Proofs uploaded onto website Similar to sending email w/attachment Proofs reviewed and “Accepted” by Program Coordinator

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Ready for Final Review When all electronic submissions have been accepted and On-Site Files are ready for visual inspection, Local Assessor meets with Agency and conducts Initial Compliance Review – If Necessary. This can also be accomplished with phone interview.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Initial Compliance Review During Initial Compliance Review, local area assessor reviews files and proofs scheduled for On-Site Final Review. This ensures the agency is ready for the Final Review.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Final Review (On-Site) Assigned Police Chief and Assessor from outside area conduct a Final Review visit where visual confirmation is made for all on-site proofs. This is typically a two day visit.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Final Review (On-Site) Report On-Site Team Leader prepares a written Report of the findings of the On-Site and forwards the report to the Recognition Program Committee.

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Committee Action Committee reviews reports, votes on awarding Recognized Status. May use electronic voting (email)

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process Awarding Recognized Status Recognized at TPCA Annual Conference and locally if desired. Certificate Other recognition items (lapel pins, uniform bars, vehicle decals, and banners)

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process

Texas Recognition Process Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Texas Recognition Process

Now the Real Question! How much Work will I have to Do??? Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Now the Real Question! How much Work will I have to Do??? Depends on who you assign as Program Manager and how you plan the work process. It does require work and some change! Since you will be the final decision-maker on policy, you will have to read and approve policies developed by staff.

Now the Real Question! It is work that needs to be done!!!! Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Now the Real Question! It is work that needs to be done!!!! Putting off the review and development, and updating of policies leaves field officers guessing the best course of action.

Now the Real Question! And we provide a great deal of Assistance! Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Now the Real Question! And we provide a great deal of Assistance! Website Resources Sample Policy Manual Sample Training with Lesson Plans Users Group Resources Other Recognized Agencies Policies

Current Status Program is Fully Operational 122 Agencies “Recognized” Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Current Status Program is Fully Operational 122 Agencies “Recognized” Currently 38 in Electronic Submission Process Currently accepting applications

Applications Should I wait until we are “accepted” to get started? Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Applications Should I wait until we are “accepted” to get started? No! Begin standards review and file development now. RECOMMEND: Start on policy revisions, required training started and property room Before Application! You must complete an inventory of your property room prior to on-site!

Training for Department Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Training for Department Training Power Point for members of the Department is available on the Program Website. “What’s In It for Me” under Training Downloads

Training for Department Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Training for Department Recognition Program Training for Chief and Program Manager available on-line at: https://rp.tpcaf.org

Questions??? Max Westbrook 512-751-2213 Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program Questions??? Max Westbrook RPDirector@texaspolicechiefs.org 512-751-2213 Facebook/texasrecognition.com 55