The public is being asked to speak their ideas and onions on services and performance provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The Patrol announced Tuesday that a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., will arrive on August 2, 2015, to examine all aspects of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s policies and procedures, management, and operations and support services.  It’s part of a voluntary process the patrol takes part in to maintain accreditation.

“Since 1931, the agency has served and protected the citizens of this state,” said Col. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Patrol employees are professionals who attempt to respond to every situation effectively and efficiently. Adhering to the standards set by the commission is one way the Missouri State Highway Patrol shows accountability.”

As part of the on-site assessment, a public forum will be held concerning the services and performance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The public forum will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, in the hearing room of the Missouri Gaming Commission building at 3417 Knipp Drive, Jefferson City, MO.

The public and Patrol employees also are invited to offer comments to the assessment team on the services and performance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol by calling toll-free (877) 545-5511 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the ability of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to comply with Commission standards. A summary of the standards is available in the Patrol’s Research and Development Division, General Headquarters, 1510 East Elm Street in Jefferson City.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ability of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainsville, VA 20155.

The assessors will report back to the Commission after completing their review of the agency. The Commission will then decide whether the Missouri State Highway Patrol is to be granted continued accredited status. Accreditation is for four years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were initially accredited.