The Scranton Police Department has reached a major milestone, earning its first-ever accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC).
The unanimous approval came Thursday during a PLEAC meeting in Camp Hill, officially recognizing the department’s policies, professionalism, and community standards.
Mayor Paige Cognetti praised the accomplishment, calling it a reflection of the department’s dedication to public safety.
“This milestone achievement reflects the professionalism and dedication of the Scranton Police Department,” Cognetti said. “We couldn’t be prouder of the efforts that went into making this accreditation possible.”
Police Chief Thomas Carroll said the recognition marks an important step forward for the city’s officers.
“Accreditation ensures that we operate fairly and consistently and allows us to hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Carroll said.
The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association created the accreditation program in 2001 to ensure that police departments across the state follow consistent, modern policies that promote transparency, accountability, and community trust.
With Thursday’s approval, Scranton becomes one of fewer than 200 departments statewide — and just the third in Lackawanna County — to achieve accredited status, joining Throop Borough and the University of Scranton Police Departments.
Scranton police began the two-year accreditation process in 2022, undergoing a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures to meet 140 state standards.
According to the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, accreditation offers several benefits, including reducing liability risks, improving community confidence, and increasing eligibility for certain state and federal grants. Departments must renew their accreditation every three years.