Key West Police Department Earns Sixth Reaccreditation, Retains Prestigious Excelsior Status

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg – accompanied by Accreditation Manager Linda Mack, Capt Jason Castillo, Lt. Joe Stockton, and Officer Christy Salter — accepted reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation last week in Orlando. The commission approved recommendations to renew accreditation made by assessors in April, noting that the assessment was “flawless.”

“I want to congratulate the entire department for having attained reaccreditation,” said Police Chief Brandenburg. “I am especially appreciative of our Accreditation Manager Linda Mack. She does a tremendous job. There aren’t words great enough to express the dedication she puts into her work.”

Chief Brandenburg added that he is “particularly proud that our department has earned and retained excelsior status, an honor awarded when a department has been reaccredited five times. This is the Key West Police Department’s sixth reaccreditation.”

The award, he says, is recognition of this department’s commitment to providing the highest level of law enforcement service to our community and our visitors. He noted that, on his first day as Chief of Police, the department underwent a mock accreditation assessment in which the team prepares for the actual assessment.

“With that experience, “he said, “I expect that our department stand inspection-ready each and every day. I am proud and honored to lead the professional men and women of the Key West Police Department who embody our core values of respect, integrity, fairness, and service,” he said.

Chief Brandenburg gave particular accolades to Accreditation Manager Mack, Capt. Castillo, and Lt. Stockton, and for their hard work on the entire accreditation process.

In April, a team of state assessors spent three days scrutinizing all aspects of the department to ensure it meets the highest level of best practices standards for the state. Accreditation sets a high level of professionalism in a law enforcement agency. It’s a voluntary process that allows the department to constantly measure itself based upon standards set by its peers across the state.

The assessments are conducted every three years, but the process itself is a daily practice in every officer’s career. It allows each to remain familiar with the department’s policies and ensures the most professional department possible. Accreditation ensures to the community a knowledgeable police department that provides the very best service possible to the community.

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