The Burbank Police Department has received official accreditation from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program after a four-year review process, according to Police Chief Jack Garcia.
On March 10, former Lemont Police Chief and Past-President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Marc Maton arrived at Burbank City Hall with the official plaque.
ILEAP is designed to evaluate agencies’ policies and procedures and their compliance with rigorous professional standards in the areas of administration, operations, personnel and training.
The evaluation required the police department to submit files for review before assessors began a two-day visit to go through department tours, vehicle inspections, interviews, ride-alongs, and an exit interview. The results were presented to the ILEAP Council, which ultimately approved Burbank’s accreditation.
“The Burbank Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency committed to providing high quality police services to our residents and those who visit our city,” said Chief Garcia. “Our successful ILEAP accreditation makes a statement to our residents, our business community, and other law enforcement that the Burbank Police Department meets the very highest standards.”
The chief’s association claims the benefits of accreditation include saving on insurance costs, reducing the risk of liability, bolstering officer pride, and demonstrating that the department cares about professional standards.
Ald. Barb Gagle (1st), a former Burbank police officer, said, “Only about 5 percent of law enforcement agencies in the whole state have earned ILEAP accreditation.”
The accreditation remains valid for four years and requires an annual report