Locals Laud Hyattsville Police Department At Reaccreditation Hearing

The is going through the re-accreditation process to show that it meets a set of professional standards set forth by a U.S.-based law enforcement credentialing entity.

Two members from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) Monday night heard from local police agencies and Hyattsville residents in favor of the HPD receiving high marks in police work.

According to the CALEA website, the purpose of this reaccreditation is “to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by:

• maintaining a body of standards covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives;
• establishing and administering an accreditation process; and
• recognizing professional excellence.”

City Councilwoman (Ward 4) spoke fondly of the police force she’s worked with for decades.

“I have always had respect for the Hyattsville police,” she said. “Whenever anyone has needed them, they’re there.”

The HPD’s has provided the senior residents in her ward with a sense of peace, she said.

Lt. Kenneth Ecker of the University of Maryland, College Park Police Department spoke in full support of the reaccreditation.

“It’s true,” he said. “Professionalism is one of the biggest things that they have.”

The UMD police and Hyattsville police work together to solve crimes around the university and to brainstorm policing ideas and share information on crime stopping technology, Ecker said.

“They’re always right there for us …,” he said. “That’s invaluable to us.”

(D-Dist. 22) has lived in Hyattsville for more than 32 years.

“The Hyattsville Police Department gives us such a sense of security,” she said, adding that Chief Douglas Holland also often gives her a heads up about legislation that might affect public safety in Hyattsville.

She also lauded how quickly HPD officers arrive on a call.

“The is something that a lot of people around this area probably envy,” she said.

The representatives at Monday’s hearing will take the comments back to the CALEA commission as part of the reaccreditation process, which should conclude later this year.