Brunswick PD maintains state certification

Being certified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police is about more than just prestige.

It’s about protecting the public and police officers, says Brunswick Police Chief Kevin Jones.

The city police department announced on Monday that it had earned recertification. Jones said the recertification was effective late last year, but the BPD waited until it had the recognition plaque in hand before making it public.

“It means that all our policies and procedures and practices are in accordance with and regulation with the state,” Jones said.

The GACP is always keeping tabs on policing practices and what works in the field, Jones said, and maintains a set of best practices, or “how a good police agency is run and conducts business,” Jones said. By adhering to those, police departments can get certified by the GACP.

A solid set of widely recognized policing tactics are good for citizens who are on the receiving end and for the department. Jones said the certification has often come in handy to support the department’s case in lawsuits and citizen complaints.

“It shows we have those standards that have held up in court and in case law (elsewhere),” Jones said.

The BPD has been certified since 2015, Jones said, thanks in no small part to Amanda Barnhill, the department’s full-time certification manager.

GACP conducts inspections every three years, but the BPD has to submit documented proof to the association that it is continuing to adhere to the approved policies.

About bankruptcies: In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case the individual debtor is permitted to retain certain exempt property, but the debtor’s remaining property is gathered and sold by a trustee from whom creditors will receive repayment. It may also be used by businesses that wish to liquidate and terminate their business. Chapter 13 enables debtors, through court supervision and protection, to propose and carry out a repayment plan under which creditors are paid, in full or in part, in installments over a three-year period, during which time creditors are prohibited from starting or continuing collection efforts. Chapter 11 are reorganization proceedings generally for business entities; the debtor maintains control of the business in Chapter 11 (unless the Court appoints a trustee).