A Word from Red Bank Police Chief Dan Seymour

As the calendar turns to a new year, it provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past, learn from our experiences, and set the stage for a brighter future. One of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth is the practice of setting a clear vision and goals for the year ahead. This deliberate and thoughtful approach not only guides our actions but also serves as a roadmap to success. 

Setting a vision for the year gives us a sense of direction and purpose. It helps us define where we want to go and what we want to achieve. Without a clear vision, we may find ourselves drifting through life without a meaningful destination. A well-defined vision and goals act as a compass, providing a constant point of reference that keeps us on course, even in the face of challenges and distractions.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities. Goals act as filters, helping us prioritize our efforts and focus on what truly matters. By identifying our most important objectives, we can allocate our time, energy, and resources more efficiently, ensuring that we make meaningful progress toward our aspirations.

This past December, the Red Bank Police Department received its fourth (4^th) accreditation award from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.  One of the important aspects of the accreditation process is the development and inclusion of visions, goals, and plans into an agency’s operations. Vision and goals play a pivotal role in the context of accreditation for law enforcement, acting as a guide that shapes the direction and behavior of the police agency. When a law enforcement agency sets a clear vision and establishes strategic goals, it enhances the effectiveness of the accreditation process and contributes to overall excellence in policing.

For the last few years during the month of January, the Red Bank Police Department has prioritized the task of settings goals for the upcoming year.  The department’s vision and goals intersect with the accreditation process.  Our vision and goals have enabled us to align our operations, policies, and procedures with accreditation standards.  Our goals have helped instill a sense of purpose and have created a culture of excellence within our law enforcement agency.  Goals have emphasized community service and engagement as well as community outreach, transparency, and responsiveness improving collaboration and communication with the community we serve.  Goals influence other parts of our organizational framework in critical areas such as Professional Development and Training Objectives, Ethical Standards and Accountability, Risk Management and Liability Reduction, and Continuous Improvement and Adaptability. 

Well-crafted goals provide the foundation for a law enforcement agency's pursuit of accreditation. By integrating these elements, agencies can demonstrate their commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability, ultimately contributing to enhanced public trust and the delivery of effective and ethical policing services.  I strongly encourage you to take the time to write down your vision and goals for the upcoming year whether it be in your personal, professional, or spiritual life.  The act of writing down your goals for the year is a powerful strategy for shaping your destiny, providing you with a sense of purpose, and providing you the motivation to overcome obstacles. 

As stated in the mission statement of the police department, we always desire to “affect a positive difference to the citizens of this community through effective and efficient law enforcement services while adhering to ethical values and standards.”

- Chief Dan Seymour

Red Bank Police Department

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The Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program is pleased to announce that it has granted accreditation status to the Red Bank Police Department.

  This is the 4^th TLEA award for the department. They were awarded this achievement during the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) meeting held in Franklin, TN on December 6, 2023.

To achieve accreditation with TLEA, an agency voluntarily submits to a three-year process of enhancing the agency’s professionalism and effectiveness utilizing 164 law enforcement standards and participating in a thorough on-site assessment.  The standards are used to evaluate an agency’s policies which address a variety of areas including organizational, operational, and budget management practices.  The program is intended to encourage cooperation, recognize professional standing, develop professional services, and ensure public safety throughout the State of Tennessee.  The TLEA program is a valuable and cost-effective way to enhance overall agency effectiveness and professionalism.

The Red Bank Police Department successfully accomplished TLEA accreditation by meeting criteria that measured the level of professionalism, organization, and overall readiness in law enforcement policy and procedures.   “The standard of excellence that is met through this process is to be admired.  We are proud to recognize the hard work of the Red Bank Police Department, its staff, and community leaders,” stated TACP President David Griswold.

“I believe being an accredited agency means each member of the Red Bank Police Department is devoted to providing professional services to every person and each day will continue to provide service and protection to all citizens and visitors of Red Bank, Tennessee,” stated Red Bank Police Chief Dan Seymour.

The TLEA program was created under the direction and authority of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police which supports and endorses the continued improvement of law enforcement and emergency communications operations.  This program provides a framework for Tennessee law enforcement agencies to have equal access to effective and comprehensive polices that enhance the professionalism of law enforcement and the safety of our communities.

The TLEA Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement and acknowledges the successful implementation of written directives, policies, and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.  It takes commitment, dedication, and hard work from the agency head, agency personnel, and community leaders to meet the standards prescribed by the program.

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