Groton ― The Town of Groton Police Department announced it earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.

The first CALEA accreditation for the police department, presented Saturday at a conference in Montgomery, Ala., “represents thousands of hours of work by department personnel including a comprehensive policy update project, a review of agency practices and procedures, adherence to best practices, and the gathering of numerous proofs of compliance,” according to a news release.

“Achieving CALEA accreditation has long been a goal for our department and I’m extremely proud that our team has achieved this ‘Gold Standard’ for law enforcement agencies,” Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. said in a statement. “I am thankful for the continued professionalism and hard work that all of our sworn and civilian personnel display each and every day.”

He thanked elected officials, Town Manager John Burt, and residents for their support.

“CALEA accreditation means we implement best practices and follow policies that meet or exceed constitutional policing standards,” Fusaro added. “The Groton Police Department is committed to providing the best service possible to our community and to all who live, work, and visit Groton.”