The Post Falls Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in North Idaho to become accredited.

The department received the recognition from the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association.

"Our commitment to quality service and professional excellence led us to voluntarily participate in this accreditation program," Chief Scot Haug said.

Accreditation, long considered a part of establishing professionalism in other fields, is a relatively new concept for law enforcement. It is valid for five years.

The program is set to the same tone as those required for schools, universities and hospitals.

"Attaining accredited status demonstrates to the community that an agency is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional law enforcement service," Haug said.

During the accreditation process, the ICOPA conducts an on-site evaluation of an agency's policies and practices.

The agency must meet 94 standards, including those related to administration, internal affairs operations, training, investigations, patrol, personnel, traffic, use of force and other areas of policing. In addition, for two days, law enforcement assessors inspected PFPD's policies, facility, security and records.

Haug said accredited agencies may have a stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints, have clearly defined lines of authority and are recognized for professionalism.

"Accreditation standards assure the citizens that the police department meets specific criteria set forth by national and state best practices," Haug said. "They ensure that our agency practices what it preaches."