The Zephyrhills Police Department achieved accreditation from the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on Oct. 5, according to a city news release.
The police department underwent a voluntary three-day assessment in August by a team of assessors from the CFA.
They examined all aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
The police department must comply with numerous standards — many of which are critical to life, health, safety and best practices to receive accredited status, the release stated.
The milestone reflects the department’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and excellence in law enforcement. It has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism and adherence to best practices, the news release says..
Chief Derek Brewer expressed his gratitude for the teamwork and dedication displayed by the department’s officers and staff throughout the accreditation process.
“Achieving accreditation from the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation is a significant milestone for our department,” Chief Brewer said in the release. “It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence in law enforcement and our dedication to providing the highest level of service to the Zephyrhills community.”
Homelessness ordinance passes
The City of Zephyrhills has passed a new ordinance aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness throughout the town.
The new ordinance makes it unlawful to sleep or camp in public and certain private places.
Ordinance No. 1471-2, which passed 4-0, was written by Chief Brewer, in the hopes of “giving officers another tool in the toolbox” to “make contact” with individuals who may be trying to sleep and camp on “any roadway, street, alley, access road, median or embankment” and “public parks, grounds or facilities.”
The City Council welcomed this ordinance, as it tries to firmly, but compassionately, address the homelessness issue in Zephyrhills. Brewer reiterated to the council that the ordinance wasn’t about “writing violations to those without addresses” but instead as a way to speak with the individuals and “provide them with (homelessness) resources they might not even be aware of.”
Published October 18, 2023
