Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department has officially earned accreditation through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (TLEA), marking an important milestone in the department’s continued commitment to professional, accountable, and high-quality police service.
The accreditation was officially approved following a review by the Accreditation Board on Wednesday.
TLEA accreditation provides an independent review of a law enforcement agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and practices to ensure they meet established professional standards. The process requires extensive internal review and documentation, followed by an outside assessment of the agency’s compliance and practices.
For MJPD, accreditation represents independent recognition of standards the department has worked for years to maintain.
“This accreditation does not suddenly make us a professional police department. Our team has worked hard for many years to do things the right way, professionally, responsibly, and with integrity,” said Police Chief Tyler Chandler. “What makes this milestone so meaningful is that an independent process came in, looked closely at how we operate, and confirmed the strength of the work our people are doing every day.”
The Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was established through the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police to promote professional standards of accountability, management, and operations and to improve the quality of law enforcement services provided to Tennessee communities.
(L-R) Capt. Jason Brockman, Chief Tyler Chandler, TACP President and UTK Police Chief Sean Patterson, Capt. Jacob Dean, and Ofc. Rob Ullrich
Accreditation requires agencies to closely examine virtually every aspect of their operations, including policies, procedures, organizational practices, documentation, accountability, training, and administration. It also creates an ongoing process of review and improvement. Accredited agencies must demonstrate continued compliance and undergo future reassessments to maintain their accredited status.
“This is important for our community because it adds another level of accountability,” Chandler said. “We are not simply saying that we operate professionally or that we follow strong practices. An outside review has examined our department and confirmed that those standards are reflected in how we actually operate. That should matter to the people who trust us to serve them.”
The achievement is the culmination of a multi-year effort that has continued through the leadership of multiple Mt. Juliet Police Chiefs and generations of department members.
Significant momentum toward accreditation came with the department’s decision to dedicate personnel specifically to managing the extensive accreditation process. Officer Rob Ullrich has led much of the department’s accreditation work, coordinating documentation, reviewing standards and practices, and working throughout the organization to prepare for the independent assessment. Captain Jason Brockman provided leadership and oversight throughout the process.
“This achievement certainly deserves recognition for Rob and Jason and the tremendous amount of work they carried to get us across the finish line,” Chandler said. “But accreditation cannot be achieved by one Chief, one accreditation manager, or a handful of employees. It takes an entire organization committed to the same standard.”
From officers writing reports and conducting investigations to dispatchers handling emergency calls, supervisors ensuring accountability, and employees responsible for training, records, evidence, policy, and administrative functions, the accreditation process examines work occurring throughout the organization.
“That is what makes me most proud,” Chandler added. “The things our team does every day, many of which may never be seen publicly, are what made this possible. When independent assessors came in and looked closely at our people, our practices, and how we serve this community, our team shined.”
Accreditation is not the end of the process. TLEA requires accredited agencies to maintain compliance, provide continuing documentation, and undergo future reassessments, reinforcing an ongoing commitment to improvement and accountability.
“For us, this is both a milestone and another starting point,” Chandler said. “We will continue looking for ways to improve, continue holding ourselves accountable, and continue pushing ourselves to provide the level of service Mt. Juliet deserves. This accreditation belongs to our entire team, and I could not be more proud of them.”
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