Redondo Police Seek a Feather in Their Caps

A team of inspectors from a national law enforcement association arrives in Redondo Beach this week to evaluate the city’s 100-member Police Department.

If the department passes inspection, it will become one of only three California law enforcement agencies to be officially “accredited” by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a Virginia-based nonprofit group promoting the standardization and modernization of police policies and procedures. The state’s two other accredited agencies are the Berkeley and Garden Grove police departments.

“It’s mostly about bragging rights,” Redondo Beach Police Lt. Jeff Cameron said of the accreditation process, for which the city is paying $11,500. But he added that being accredited could save the department money on liability insurance, as well as “reassure our citizens that we’re doing the job right.”

To be accredited, the department must conform to 897 standards that range from patrol tactics to the handling of prisoners and the filing of juvenile arrest records. The standards were drawn by four national law enforcement associations. The inspection team will consist of three law enforcement officers from departments outside California.

“Being accredited is a kudo for any department,” said Dennis Hyater, a member of the accreditation commission. “It shows that they’re in the 20th Century.”

Part of the evaluation process involves public comment, Cameron said. Anyone wishing to comment on the Redondo Beach police can do so at a public hearing Monday at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 415 Diamond St.

Individuals can also make comments to the accreditation inspectors by phone between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The number is (310) 318-0688.