PORT JERVIS—The Port Jervis Police Department (PJPD) has been awarded the Certificate of Accreditation by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, affirming the police force’s high standard of operation.
The program is a voluntary way for police departments to improve effectiveness, professionalism, and public confidence in law enforcement. To qualify for accreditation, a police department must meet 112 standards across the categories of administration, training, and operations.
Administration covers general management, personnel, inter-agency relationships, and delegation of authority. The training category makes sure the department is up to standard in basic, in-service, supervisory, and records training. Operations looks at the way the agency conducts everyday responsibilities: patrols, traffic, investigations—a police department’s bread and butter.
Being an accredited agency results in greater accountability, enhances public trust, and ensures the department adopts the best modern policies and procedures in policing. The level of professionalism required to meet the accreditation standard also makes the department less vulnerable to civil lawsuits that might arise because of malpractice.
“By following these policies, it improves our effectiveness and our efficiency as a law enforcement agency,“ PJPD Chief William Worden told The Epoch Times. ”And it helps ensure that we are providing superior public service to our residents.”
The accreditation was given after an on-site inspection by independent law enforcement professionals sent by the Accreditation Council. From June 10 to June 12, the auditors conducted 262 interviews with staff and civilians and made 82 observations on operational practices. Accreditation needs to be renewed every five years, which ensures that departments don’t slacken their policies.
Worden said the PJPD had been working on incorporating accredited policies into operations gradually for about 10 years but started to focus on accreditation in 2025. By the time focus was shifted in 2025, there were not many changes left to make, as most policies were up to par already.
“The rank and file members of the PJPD, our officers, our supervisors, our civilian support staff, and then the support of our elected officials—it was a team effort,” Worden said. “That’s what made it so successful. And I think the process went smoothly.”
About 31 percent of New York police departments, 167 of a total 500, have achieved accreditation.
Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese said in a statement: “This accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment for our City of Port Jervis Police Department and is a testament to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our officers and staff.
“Achieving accreditation demonstrates not only that our department meets the highest standards in law enforcement, but shows that the department is committed to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in serving the residents of Port Jervis. I could not be prouder of Chief Worden and the entire department for reaching this achievement.”
Worden said in the statement: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to every member of our department for their role in achieving this accomplishment. Our accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of our agency. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and our pride in serving the community with professionalism and integrity. I am incredibly proud of our team for this milestone and their relentless pursuit of excellence.”
