BPD achieves ALEAP Tier 1 Accreditation

The Batesville Police Department is proud to announce that it has officially earned accreditation through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP). This significant milestone recognizes the department's commitment to meeting the highest professional standards in modern policing.

Earning ALEAP accreditation is a rigorous process that requires a law enforcement agency to demonstrate full compliance with dozens of comprehensive standards. These cover essential operational areas, including use of force, officer training, evidence management, internal accountability, and community engagement. By achieving this distinction, the Batesville Police Department joins an elite group of law enforcement agencies across the state of Arkansas. Of the 214 police departments across the state, only 25 including the Batesville Police Department have achieved Tier 1 Advanced accreditation.

This achievement holds immense value for the City of Batesville, its police force, and the community:

• For the City: Earning state recognized accreditation validates that municipal operations are aligned with best-in-class industry standards, mitigating liability risks and reinforcing high operational integrity.
• For the Department: Accreditation establishes clear, modernized policies and procedures that empower officers with best practices, improving agency morale and setting a standardized baseline for operational excellence.
• For the Community: This designation serves as an objective, independent stamp of approval. It reassures residents that their police department holds itself to rigorous standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability, further strengthening public trust.

Reaching this high benchmark was a true team effort across the entire organization. The milestone was made possible through the dedicated work of all Batesville police officers, driven by the leadership and tireless organizational efforts of Captain Fred Friar, who spearheaded the comprehensive accreditation process.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Chief John Scarbrough and Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presented Captain Fred Friar with a certificate of appreciation for all of his hard work which led the department to accreditation.

"Achieving ALEAP accreditation reflects our agency's dedication to serving Batesville with honor, efficiency, and transparency,' said Police Chief John Scarbrough. "This accomplishment required a massive effort from our entire staff, and I am especially grateful to Captain Fred Friar for his exceptional leadership throughout this rigorous process. Every officer on our force played a role in making this success possible."

An official presentation ceremony with representatives from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program will take place on September 23, 2026 at the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Conference.

About the Batesville Police Department

The Batesville Police Department is dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens of Batesville, Arkansas through proactive, community-oriented policing and high professional standards.