Spitzer's involvement comes on the heels of an internal investigation of the department by the town's civilian Police Commission. The prime suspect was later acquitted. Three cops broke department rules by forming a private security firm, which also was cited by the state for operating without a license. The commission's inquiry was sparked by testimony during Wallkill Officer Ari Moskowitz's January civil rights lawsuit against the department. Moskowitz sued in August 1998, charging he was the victim of retaliation for speaking out against wrongdoing in the department.
Accreditation is a voluntary status achieved by a law enforcement agency.
It requires compliance with 144 standards for policing, ranging from administration to operations. It's a rigorous process and a worthwhile process. It basically proves that you're working to improve your services.