Heath Department of Public Safety receives “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” Award

The Heath Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received the Accredited Law Enforcement Agency Award from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

Heath DPS is one of only 191 agencies in Texas to achieve this distinction, representing the top 7 percent statewide.

Begun in 2006, the Accreditation Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with 168 Best Business Practices developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights.

These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

“This voluntary process required Chief Brandon Seery and his team to conduct an intense and extensive critical self-review of their policies, procedures, facilities and operations,” said Rockwall Police Chief Edward Fowler, who is an assessor with the Texas Police Chiefs Association and presented the accreditation at the February 28 City of Heath Council meeting.

Heath DPS began the process in June 2020 by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside onsite audit was requested, which was conducted in December 2022 by trained Police Chiefs from throughout Texas.  Results of the review were sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Accreditation Committee for final analysis, where a unanimous decision to award the “Accredited” status was made.

“We consider our Heath DPS to be one of the best agencies in the state,” said Mayor Kelson Elam.  “This independent review by Texas law enforcement professionals and awarding of the accreditation confirms our belief and pride in Chief Seery and his officers.”