Mayor Lord called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

City Manager Julie Karens briefly presented the report and explained the goals for attaining public safety accreditations. She then introduced Fire Chief Paul Luizzi and Police Chief Jimmy Rodriguez to present staff’s findings and recommendation.

Fire Chief Paul Luizzi discussed the process for the Fire Department to become accredited with the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a non-profit international organization. Chief Luizzi provided information regarding the categories and performance indicators that the accreditation is based upon and the costs associated with each level of accreditation. He briefly provided a list of the cities currently accredited in Arizona and noted that the city is already a registered agency in the program. Chief Luizzi explained that staff is recommending the city pursue accreditation for the Fire Department and, in addition, recommended the city hire a Policy and Accreditation Manager to oversee the accreditation program and annual compliance reporting.  

Police Chief Jimmy Rodriguez provided information regarding the two options for accreditation through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies), and ALEAP (Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program). Chief Rodriguez explained the standards that are required to be met, the timeline for completing accreditation and the one-time and annual reoccurring costs associated with either program. He added that, similar to the Fire Department, the Police Department is also seeking a Policy and Accreditation Manager to implement and maintain the accreditation program, in addition to, increased legal support. Chief Rodriguez explained that staff is recommending the city pursue the CALEA accreditation with the possibility of obtaining ALEAP accreditation in the future.

In response to Council inquiry regarding the Fire Department's accreditation, Chief Luizzi explained that the accreditation program is the gold-standard for fire service and will provide a non-biased review of the department, provide our community with a high sense of assurance, allow for continuous improvement and knowledge of best practices within the fire service. He also added that the Policy and Accreditation Manger will be a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) position whose sole focus will be on the accreditation program. 

In response to Council inquiry regarding the Police Department's accreditation, Chief Rodriguez explained that CALEA is a professionally recognized law enforcement accreditation program that is the gold-standard for best practices across the nation. He added that it will provide comprehensive assessments, evaluation and transparency to the community. CALEA will assess the Police Department as a whole, including civilian positions.

Chief Luizzi and Chief Rodriguez both agreed that there will be plenty of work for the Policy and Accreditation Manager. 

City Manager Julie Karins clarified that the item is for discussion only and would be brought back to Council for consideration as part of the FY2023 budget.

Council provided consensus to move forward with accreditation as recommended by staff.