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

2. 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.

3. 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.)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 $ $
$1,200.00
$1,600.00
$2,000.00
201 or more $2,400.00

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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).

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

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

24. 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

25. 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!

26. 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!

27. 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.

28. 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!

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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.

32. 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)

33. 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.

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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.

37. 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)

38. 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

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

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. 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 ( )

45. 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)

46. Texas Recognition Process
Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program
Texas Recognition Process

47. Texas Recognition Process
Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program
Texas Recognition Process

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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

51. 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

52. 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!

53. 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

54. Training for Department
Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program
Training for Department
Recognition Program Training for Chief and
Program Manager available on-line at:

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