It was only the third accrediated department in Tennessee and the first in upper east Tennessee. The department will undergo our 2nd re-accreditation evaluation in early 2002. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive agency self-assessment of the 439 standards. The assessors also conduct a public hearing to elicit citizens comments. This program provides an objective evidence of our commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery.
Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing.
It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations. Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence. Employees take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement. He obtained his BS in Criminal Justice Administration from East Tennessee State University. Keesling retired from the Kingsport PD in August 1999.