Gulf Shores Police Department has announced a plan to pursue police accreditation, a three-year voluntary program according to the official city newsletter released on April 28.

"Pursuing this national accreditation is voluntary and only the best law enforcement agencies achieve this standard," the newsletter stated. "The three-year process is set in three phases and culminates with proof of compliance with approximately 170 standards."

The accreditation process will be pursued through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

"The CALEA process was created as credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriff's Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum," per the statement. "One of the standards to meet accreditation is the Accreditation Public Comment Portal. The purpose of this portal is to receive comments regarding the police department's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accreditation standards."

To submit feedback, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/Police and click the "provide feedback" link.