The Professional Standards section is primarily responsible for managing Division training operations, maintaining and updating policy and procedure, and conducting internal investigations.  It consists of an assistant chief, a lieutenant, two officers, and a Policy, Compliance & Accreditation Manager assigned to these positions full-time: 

Training

Division officers are required to meet certain training objectives over the course of their careers. Officers regularly take advantage of a variety of training opportunities focused on patrol tactics, investigations, professional development, cultural and social sensitivity, and building practical skills to interact with and communicate with people of varying backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. In addition, officers are trained and later certified in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), a specialized police curriculum on advanced de-escalation skills that help reduce the risk of serious injury. 

Each officer is required to complete up to 40 hours of in-service training per year.  This training includes but is not limited to:

• CPR and first aid training
• De-escalation and communication strategies
• Annual firearms recertification and training 
• Subject control, use-of-force, and less-lethal alternatives
• Legal updates

Policy and Accreditation

The Division is accredited by CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, a process managed by the Policy, Compliance and Accreditation Manager. Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges, and provides clear direction about Division and community expectations. Accreditation ensures an agency embraces the concepts of integrity, transparency and accountability. The Division received its first accreditation award in November 2021 and is now in its fourth year of maintaining that accreditation. We are committed to ongoing improvement and maintaining the highest standard awarded to law enforcement agencies.  

Internal Investigations

It is the policy of the Westerville Division of Police to investigate all complaints made against the department or its personnel, thoroughly, completely and impartially. A proper relationship between the department and the citizens we serve, fostered by trust and confidence, is essential to effective law enforcement efforts. This process includes professional review of public complaints, working closely with the public to gain an understanding of law enforcement procedures, while WPD gains insight on how citizens perceive encounters. 

Depending on the nature of the complaint, cases are investigated by members of the Professional Standards section or are sent to the employee’s direct supervisor for prompt investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, complainants receive notification of the findings. Actions depend on all of the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.

To file a complaint against police personnel, click here.