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Rochester Police Department Accreditation

The Rochester Police Department (RPD) has been Accredited by New York State since 1990, and was proudly re-accredited by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (NYSLEAP) in January 2020. 

As a professional and nationally respected law enforcement organization, the RPD abides by the 112 stringent NYSLEAP standards to guide police agencies in evaluating and improve their overall performance. NYSLEAP Accreditation is granted for five years and formally recognizes that an organization meets or exceeds State quality expectations in the field. 

Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. At the end of each accreditation period, the RPD undergoes a thorough, on-site assessment by designated DCJS assessors to verify compliance for re-accreditation. In the interim, an annual compliance survey is submitted to the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) by the RPD Research and Evaluation Section, which attests to the yearly standards' compliance. The next accreditation is slated to occur in 2024.

 

PRIDE - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence

NYSLEAP has four principal goals: 

  • To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement agencies utilizing existing personnel, equipment and facilities to the fullest extent  possible;
  • To promote increased cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies and other agencies of criminal justice services;
  • To ensure the appropriate training of law enforcement personnel; and
  • To promote public confidence. 

NYSLEAP is comprised of 112 State Standards divided into three categories:  

  • Administrative Standards - Which include topics regarding agency organization, fiscal management, personnel practices and records. 
  • Training Standards - Which encompass basic and in-service training, as well as instruction for supervisors and specialized or technical assignments. 
  • Operations Standards - Which review critical and litigious topics regarding high-speed pursuits, roadblocks, patrol procedures and special occurrences.   

The RPD is recognized in New York State as a leading law enforcement agency. RPD members are proud of the high quality of service they provide and their on-going pursuit of police service excellence.

The Research and Evaluation Section is commanded by Rochester Police Lieutenant Joseph Hayes. 
RPD Accreditation Manager, Sergeant Jose Vargas, can be reached at (585) 428-6656.