Oct. 11, 2022
Buda Police Department Earns Prestigious Accreditation
Recently, the Buda Police Department earned the award of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd’s presentation on the details about the accreditation and presentation of the award were made to the Buda City Council during its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11. The TPCA Accreditation Program evaluates a police department’s compliance with more than 168 best business practices for Texas law enforcement. These best practices, which cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations, have been carefully developed by Texas law enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights.
“Evaluation for TPCA is a voluntary process that required the Buda Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations,” Kidd explained.
Beginning in 2019, the department began the lengthy process to become an “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review occurred Aug. 17-18, 2022 and was conducted by trained police chiefs from other areas of the state. Review results were sent to the TPCA Accreditation Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Accredited” status.
“The high standards set by Chief Kidd and carried out by the Buda police force are not surprising,” City Manager Micah Grau said, adding, “The professionalism of our officers is second to none.”
Buda’s Police Department was notified Sept. 1, 2022, that it had been awarded the coveted “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” award, making BPD only the 188th agency in the State of Texas to be so Accredited, and the first and only one accredited in Hays County.
“The Buda Police Department has always been committed to excellence and this is an extension of that,” Kidd said. “This process allowed an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure Buda citizens that its Police Department is conforming to the current state-of-the-art best practices in law enforcement.”
The Buda Police Department also will be recognized at the TPCA Annual Conference in April 2023.
More information and a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at www.texaspolicechiefs.org.
The City of Buda is home to about 18,000 residents and has earned designations as a “Texas Main Street City,” “Tree City USA,” “Bee City Affiliate” and “Platinum Level Scenic City.” Buda is situated along the Interstate 35 corridor, has 14 parks and a historic downtown district where residents and visitors alike can shop, dine, relax, and breathe easy here.
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