Stratford PD Achieves Full Accreditation From Connecticut Police Officer Standards & Training Council

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Police Department announced Wednesday that it has achieved full accreditation from the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, meeting all requirements for Tiers I, II, and III – a first in the department’s history.

The landmark accomplishment “represents years of dedication, professionalism, and collaboration among Stratford’s law enforcement officers, town leadership, and community partners,” according to a news release.

“This is a truly historic moment for our department,” Chief of Police Joe McNeil said. “Achieving accreditation in all three tiers demonstrates our dedication to excellence, transparency, and accountability. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor Laura Hoydick for her phenomenal support of the Stratford Police Department over the years. Her steadfast leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone.”

Read more from the news release below:

Mayor Laura R. Hoydick praised the department’s achievement, noting the years of hard work and commitment behind it.

“The men and women of the Stratford Police Department consistently demonstrate professionalism, courage, and integrity,” Hoydick said. “Their achievement of full POST accreditation is a reflection of that commitment and a testament to their dedication to serving our community with the highest standards of excellence. I am very proud of Chief McNeil and the entire department for being such an outstanding example for law enforcement across Connecticut.”

The Connecticut Accreditation Program sets rigorous standards that help police agencies improve service delivery and enhance public confidence through professional management practices and adherence to best practices.

• Tier I: Liability Standards — focus on minimizing liability exposure and promoting effective, fair service delivery.
• Tier II: Professional Standards — address legal requirements, management, and operations to ensure professional excellence.
• Tier III: General Management — expands on Tier II to establish comprehensive standards for leadership, accountability, and operational integrity.

McNeil received the letter on Oct. 15 from the CT POST Accreditation Division confirming that Stratford successfully met the standards for Tiers II and III, following a comprehensive file review conducted between Aug. 18 and Aug. 29. The review team included Jennie E. Rivera, Lieutenant Dana Jezierski, Sergeant Frank Koshes, and John Zematis, who commended the department’s professionalism and dedication to state accreditation goals.

The CT POST Council will formally recognize the Stratford Police Department’s achievements at its upcoming meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Police Officer Standards and Training Academy in Meriden.

“Accreditation is more than a credential, it is an extension of our promise to our community,” McNeil said. “It means that our policies, training, and operations meet the highest professional standards, ensuring that we continue to serve Stratford with integrity, transparency, and excellence. Our focus on quality-of-life enforcement has led to reductions in robbery, aggravated assault, and other key crime categories.”

The Stratford Police Department’s next review cycle will begin in June 2026, with an onsite assessment scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026, as the agency continues to build proofs of compliance for Tier I standards and pursue ongoing training and improvement.