Accreditation
In December of 2017, the police department underwent an on-site assessment and was found to once again be in compliant with all applicable program standards. During the rigorous review, the WPD demonstrated to the assessors that it continues to comply with the specific professional standards that cover all aspects of police work.
In February 2018, members of the accreditation team traveled to Manassas Park to receive the official certificate of reaccreditation. “I am pleased to accept this reaccreditation certificate on behalf of the hard-working men and women of the Winchester Police Department,” stated Winchester Police Chief John Piper. “This significant recognition confirms that the WPD is an extremely professional organization, comprised of officers and civilian support staff who work 24/7 to deliver world-class police services to our great community. We will continue to be on the cutting edge of law enforcement, and constantly strive to achieve excellence in our profession.”
The VLEPSC was established in 1996 and is compromised of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The purpose of the commission is to “establish professional standards and administer the accreditation process by which Virginia agencies can be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated.”
The WPD has been fully accredited since 2009 and is one of only 98 law enforcement agencies currently accredited by the VLEPSC.
