In November, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs accredited the Sumner Police Department.

Through this program, the top managers of Washington law enforcement agencies set standards by which police departments are evaluated. Approximately 10 percent of the state’s police departments have earned accreditation.

Sumner police did in 2005, with accreditation lasting four years. However, this process was not a simple renewal. Accreditation is always a rigorous program. To start, the Sumner Police Department had to review all of its own policies and procedures and compare them against WASPC’s 140 standards and prepare reports on each.

WASPC representatives visited Sumner for an on-site assessment in October and reviewed policies and interviewed employees. WASPC then awarded accreditation during its November conference. Sumner Police Department Administrative Services Manager Jason Wilson was the lead manager for the department through the accreditation process.

“Accreditation is a great honor for our department,” Sumner Police Chief John Galle said. “We have a vision and reputation for being very community-oriented, but this accreditation also speaks strongly of the professionalism of our officers and their ability to serve our community in all the areas of law enforcement necessary.”

Accreditation is not earned by the majority, Mayor Dave Enslow said.

“Only one out of every 10 departments in our state has earned this accreditation, which shows us that we can be both small and excellent,” he said.