AUBURN — The Police Department held a public forum Tuesday night to get comment on its reaccreditation.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. assesses the department every three years to ensure it upholds all 484 standards.
For an even more thorough review than simply looking through files and paperwork, public input is also assessed.
Verbal and written comments were heard Tuesday at City Hall by Chief Gary Vest of the Powell (Ohio) Police Department and Lt. Rae Ferguson of the Asheville (N.C.) Police Department.
Sheila Kristakis of Auburn said she made the decision to retire here only because of her confidence and trust in the Auburn Police Department.
Interim Lewiston Police Chief Brian O’Malley praised the partnership between the two departments.
“It’s not so much a competition but cooperation,” he said.
Trish Grant was a victim of sex trafficking when she was just 15 years old, and said she was terrified of police officers because she had often been sold to them for sex during that time.
She thanked Auburn Police Chief Phil Crowell for his compassion and trust, and credited him and his officers with allowing her to come forward about the trauma.
“I feel free now and safe,” she said.
Crowell said he’s very thankful to work in such a supportive community.
“With the events of the last few weeks, I’m just so blessed to be in a community like Auburn,” he said. “It’s nice to know how much our community supports us, they go above and beyond.”
Crowell said people have been sending emails, coming in person, and sending anonymous gifts.
“A little girl came in last week with a handmade poster for us,” he said.
To comment to the team of assessors, email calea@calea.org.
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