IRVING, Texas - The Irving Police Department has once again earned reaccreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA), a distinction recognizing the department's continued compliance with rigorous statewide standards for professional law enforcement.
The recognition was presented during the July 30 Irving City Council meeting by Allen Police Chief Steve Dye, who serves on the Texas Police Chiefs Association Board of Officers and represented the organization's Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Dye told council members that the TPCA is made up of approximately 1,700 police chiefs and command staff members across Texas who are committed to advancing professionalism in policing.
"It is my privilege to be here tonight to present the Irving Police Department with its certificate of reaccreditation," Dye said.
The Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is voluntary, but participating agencies must demonstrate compliance with 173 standards based on Texas law, court decisions and nationally recognized best practices. Those standards cover nearly every aspect of police operations, including use-of-force policies, protection of individual rights, vehicle pursuits, evidence management, patrol procedures, criminal investigations and officer training.
Dye described the program as the "gold standard" for professional policing in Texas and noted that agencies across the state work continuously to maintain compliance.
The Irving Police Department first achieved accreditation in 2009, becoming just the 17th law enforcement agency in Texas to earn the designation. Seventeen years later, the department has successfully maintained that status through repeated reviews.
To receive reaccreditation, Irving officers and staff completed an extensive review process that included more than a year of auditing and revising departmental policies, procedures and practices. Since then, the department has submitted annual compliance reports while continuing to meet accreditation standards.
Every four years, outside law enforcement assessors conduct an on-site evaluation that includes inspecting department facilities, reviewing policies and procedures, riding along with officers and interviewing personnel to verify compliance. Following the most recent assessment, the TPCA Accreditation Committee unanimously voted to reaccredit the Irving Police Department.
Dye said the achievement places Irving among an elite group of law enforcement agencies statewide.
"Of the approximately 2,700 law enforcement agencies in Texas, only 232 have successfully achieved and maintained accreditation," he said while recognizing Police Chief Derick Miller and the department's continued commitment to professional policing.
Although Dye presented a framed certificate to Chief Miller during the meeting, he emphasized that the document represents much more than a ceremonial award.
"The certificate I present tonight is symbolic," Dye said. "While it represents professional excellence, its true value really lies in the process, the dedication, the discipline and the commitment required to achieve it."
He added that the work does not end with reaccreditation. Irving will continue submitting annual compliance reports and will undergo another comprehensive on-site evaluation in four years to maintain its accredited status.
After accepting the award, Chief Miller redirected the recognition to the department's employees.
"The Irving Police Department name is on this certificate," Miller said. "This is emblematic of the hard work and dedication that the more than 600 men and women of your department put in every day and display to the residents."
Miller also thanked Irving residents, the mayor, city council and city staff for their continued support of the department.
