The Port Orchard Police Department has been reaccredited, one of the 20% of accredited agencies in the state, police chief Matt Brown announced
“I’m proud of the men and women of the department that exemplify our values and have operationalized the best practice standards. This shows our community that we’re doing what we say we do,” Brown said.
The certification is awarded for a four-year period and administered by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. POPD’s 2025 accreditation follows its previous accreditation in 2021.
“Police accountability is important to ensure and improve public trust,” said Steve Strachan, WASPC executive director. “The Port Orchard Police Department took these direct and tangible steps to earn the public’s confidence in their operations. Their community should be proud of the men and women who serve them every day.”
Chief Brown gave kudos to the region’s other police departments. “We are also proud to note that Kitsap County is one of the few in our state in which all law enforcement agencies hold WASPC accreditation,” he said. The other law enforcement groups include the sheriff’s department and city police departments in Bainbridge, Poulsbo, and Bremerton.
The Port Orchard department had to undergo a multi-phase process that lasted several months to be accredited. Deputy Chief Andy Brandon managed the accreditation effort.
The review included WASPC verifying that officers have received proper training and police records are maintained. The association also conducted an on-site review. “They come down and do interviews. They inspect our property room and speak with our records staff. They also speak with officers and meet with me and my command staff and ask questions,” Brown said.
Critical areas such as use of force, police pursuits and citizen complaints were also examined. POPD was required to show that it analyzed how officers conducted themselves in these areas to determine if any improvements were needed.
WASPC has over 900 members, including 240 police chiefs and 39 elected county sheriffs statewide. The Washington State Patrol and state Department of Corrections also belong to the group.