CLEWISTON — Twenty-eight months ago, the Clewiston Police Department set out to achieve accredited status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The process began with an overhaul of department policies, enhancing training, purchasing needed equipment, facility upgrades and much more. The process continued until a final on-site assessment, which was completed Dec. 12, 2023, through Dec. 14, 2023.

A team of three assessors, all from CFA accredited agencies spent three days at the department. During that time, they inspected all of the department’s equipment and vehicles, conducted ride-alongs with officers as they answered calls-for-service, observed and interviewed our dispatchers, conducted a comprehensive review of all the department’s policies and procedures, verified the quality of department training and much more. Being an accredited agency means the department has met or exceeded the highest levels in transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

“The citizens of Clewiston deserve the highest level of law enforcement service possible and this award proves our commitment to doing just that,” Chief Tom Lewis stated.

The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation outlines 237 standards each agency must meet before becoming accredited.

On Feb. 22, 2024, City Manager Randy Martin and Chief Tom Lewis along with members of the police department administration traveled to St. Augustine to accept the award from the full CFA Commission. “What an amazing honor it is to showcase the hard work and dedication of the men and women that protect Clewiston each and every day,” Chief Tom Lewis stated.