BNPD CHIEF EARNS TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATION

ChiefAward1Recently, Chief Kirk Lane of the Benton Police Department was awarded his Senior Chief Certificate through the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.  Earning this certificate is a distinction that is given to police chiefs within the state who meet the standards set forth.  
 
The Senior Chief Certificate is the top honor for a police chief in Arkansas and candidates must meet a stringent set of requirements in order to qualify for the certification.  To earn it, the commission requires chiefs to obtain the senior level law enforcement certificate, possess a minimum of five years as a police chief, and they must successfully complete a police supervision or management course of instruction of four weeks or more in duration.  
 
Chief Lane met, and exceeded, the requirements by having completed the four week School on Law Enforcement Supervision through the Criminal Justice Institute, and by completing the ten week FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.  Participation in the certification process isn’t mandatory, but an option for individuals wishing to acquire credentials relevant to their job position.  
 
The goal of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards is to ensure competency within the law enforcement officers in the state by providing up-to-date training for all employees.  The commission was founded in 1963 and has the authority to certify and decertify all law enforcement officers with the exception of those holding the title of sheriff. Certification can be revoked or suspended based on misconduct, failure to meet training requirements or felony and some misdemeanor convictions. The commission also works to certify correctional facility officers, as well as parole and probation personnel.