The Lexington Police Department began pursuit of South Carolina Law Enforcement Association (SCLEA) accreditation in 1998. An exhaustive 18-month review of existing policies and procedures was performed and revisions were made to comply with SCLEA standards. The self-assessment phase was completed in September of 1999. SCLEA assessors conducted a successful on-site assessment at the Department during October of 1999. The assessors’ on-site report was forwarded to the Commission for review immediately following the on-site assessment. On January 14, 2000, Chief Mike Roth (now retired) and (then) Cpl. Eric Brown represented the Department at a meeting of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and answered questions and concerns voiced by Commissioners. The Commission awarded accredited status to the Department at the conclusion of the meeting. This process was repeated in 2003 and 2006 with accreditation re-affirmed for another three year period in each case.

Under Chief Green, the Lexington Police Department remains fully committed to maintaining its SCLEA accreditation. The benefits of accreditation include:

Controlled liability insurance costs
Deterrence against lawsuits and strengthened defense against citizen complaints
Greater accountability within the agency
Support from government officials
Increased community confidence, respect, and advocacy
Access to the latest methods developed by experts in law enforcement
Precise written manual of policies and procedures
Better internal management practices
Promotion of high morale among personnel

These benefits result from a law enforcement agency adhering to the highest level of professional standards in five broad areas:

• Roles, responsibilities, and relationships with other agencies
• Organization, management, and administration of department functions
• Law enforcement operations, operational support, and traffic law enforcement
• Prisoner and court-related services
• Auxiliary and technical services

As part of the process for reaffirming accreditation, an agency must allow for public comment during the self-study phase of the process. At the time the Department begins its triennial renewal in 2009, notice of this opportunity for comment will be made available via this website and other media outlets.

Questions or concerns about accreditation should be directed to Inspector Bledsoe in the Department’s Office of Professional Standards. Inspector Bledsoe may be reached by phone at (803) 359-6260 or via email at cbledsoe@lexsc.com.