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Contemporary society is complex and diversified requiring a highly trained professional police department to protect the life, property and rights of all citizens. Maintaining the internal integrity of the police department is the primary function of the Professional Standards Division. Police are afforded enormous power, including the use of physical and deadly force, to enforce the laws of society. Citizens must have a recourse which objectively, fairly and thoroughly investigates allegations of police misconduct. If such a structure is not in place, the citizenry will lose confidence in their police department. At the same time, by the very nature of their work, police officers are subjected to false claims of misconduct. The officers must also have faith that an objective, fair and competent structure exists to consider their position in matters under investigation. If such a structure is not in place, the officers' morale will suffer and there will be a reduction in service. Professional Standards serves to ensure the department's internal integrity as well as seeing that a equable balance is maintained between the citizens' right to be fairly policed and the officers' right to be protected from false accusations. Maintaining the internal integrity for the community's policing effort starts with the recruitment and selection of police officers. The Decatur Police Department is very selective in the applicants we accept. Once selected, recruits are subjected to an intensive 26 week training curriculum. After the initial training is complete all officers receive mandatory yearly training and specialized training. The selection of officers and a competent ongoing training initiative prepare our officers for the difficult task of policing in a complex society. The Professional Standards Division also supports the department goal of providing citizens with factual crime prevention information. The division operates the Prevention Unit. They educate the community on substance abuse, self-esteem, crime prevention and how to help the police apprehend criminals. The Professional Standards Division is responsible for the Decatur Police Department's training function, research and development, property and evidence control, grant administration, recruiting, and career development for those employed by the Department. The goal of the Professional Standards Division is to serve the community by monitoring the policing effort to ensure objectivity and fairness and by providing educational opportunities to enhance the citizen's ability to protect themselves from the evils of society. Feel free to contact the Professional Standards Division for assistance. COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt. J.D. Thomas 217-424-2740 |
