Proudly representing the New Rochelle Police Department, Commissioner Robert Gazzola and Lt. Edward Hayes attended the 2023 New York State Division of Criminal Justice services accreditation ceremony in Albany last week, marking 30 years for the department as an accredited agency.

Designed to improve an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism; promote training and foster public confidence in law enforcement, the Accreditation Program requires agencies to 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.

“This accreditation is a testament to the professionalism of our members, and the commitment of our department, past and present, to provide the best possible services to the community we serve,” said Commissioner Gazzola.

New York was the first state in the country to sponsor a law enforcement accreditation program. Operational since 1989, the program has evolved to address legal, policing and social issues, with program standards revised, added or removed to remain responsive to the needs of New York’s law enforcement community. New Rochelle Police Department has been an accredited agency since 1993, making it one of the longest continuously accredited police agencies in the state.