On June 6, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Accreditation Council awarded the Town of Crawford Police Department a Certification of Accreditation.

The New York State Accreditation program is a voluntary program administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services designed to improve an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism; promote training and foster public confidence in law enforcement. Of the approximately 500+ police agencies in New York State only 167 are currently accredited. In order to achieve accreditation agencies must meet a set of standards in three categories: Administration, Training and Operations. Accreditation provides formal recognition that an agency meets or exceeds expectations of quality; demonstrates that the agency performs in a professional manner, has formalized policies in place to govern its operational practices and procedures, and that its employees contribute to the agency’s mission and know what is expected of them.

For three days in April, a team of officials from the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Program reviewed the department’s compliance to the 110 standards through 197 interviews with police officers and civilian employees; conducted 73 independent observations of the department’s operations; reviewed hundreds of files; toured the station; and observed various work areas. To maintain accreditation status the department will be reassessed every five years.

Chief Dominick L. Blasko, reported that this certification recognizes the department’s commitment in providing the highest level of service to the Crawford community and he is “extremely proud of the members of the department, they should be commended for their display of commitment and professionalism. They exemplify what is great about the Crawford community. Their efforts and the overwhelming support from Supervisor Carnes and the Town Board made the process seamless”.

In a statement released by Town Supervisor Charles Carnes, he said, “the Town Board and I congratulate Chief Blasko and the members of the Crawford Police Department on becoming an accredited law enforcement agency. We have always had the utmost confidence in our police department and this accomplishment shows the department’s commitment to providing a high standard of service. The Town of Crawford supports the efforts of our department and the rule of law for all residents. This commitment and collaboration is why Crawford is a great place to live, work and visit”.