Tarpon Springs Police Chief Robert P. Kochen announced Thursday that the Tarpon Springs Police Department earned its initial Accreditation status.  

"It is with great pleasure that I announce that today Thursday, February 21, 2013 the Tarpon Springs Police Department earned its initial Accreditation status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA)"

According to a news release from the police, Chief Robert P. Kochen, police department staff members and city manager Mark LeCouris were present at the commissions meeting at the Mission Inn Resort, in Howey in the Hills, FL to accept the presentation from the commission.

The department was required to meet 260 standards outlined by the CFA in order to receive accredited status. A number of the standards are crucial to life, health and safety issues.

After kicking off the process in December of 2012, the agency was observed day in and day out.