👮 Who: Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Chief Robert Bage, Lt. Kendra Stalls, Lt. Terrence James, City Manager Jason Davis
🏅 What: Received reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA)
📅 When: October 2025, following an on-site assessment in August
📍 Where: Fort Walton Beach, with the award presented at the CFA conference in Fort Myers
💬 Why: To recognize the department’s adherence to professional standards, accountability, and continuous improvement
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department has once again earned reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), achieving full compliance with no non-conformities noted during the latest review. The recognition reflects the department’s continued commitment to professional standards, accountability, and delivering consistent service to the community.
Accreditation is a rigorous, three-year process that evaluates law enforcement agencies on policies, procedures, training, operations, and community engagement. Agencies undergo comprehensive assessments, including documentation reviews, staff interviews, and on-site inspections, to ensure adherence to Florida law enforcement best practices.
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department was first accredited in 2022 and has maintained compliance with CFA standards over the past three years. In August 2025, a team of CFA assessors conducted an on-site review of the department. They examined internal policies, observed day-to-day operations, and spoke with personnel at every level, from command staff to patrol officers. After compiling their findings, the assessors presented a report to the CFA accreditation committee, which granted full reaccreditation.
Police Chief Robert Bage emphasized that accreditation is a reflection of the department’s culture and everyday practices, not simply a single inspection.
“Accreditation is never about one moment or one inspection — it’s about every call handled, every report written, every interaction,” Bage said. “It’s about the culture of excellence we have built together, a culture that doesn’t settle for ‘good enough,’ but strives to lead by example in outstanding service to our community. This achievement is more than a certificate; it is a testament to our professionalism, consistency, and pride in the work we do every single day.”
Chief Bage accepted the award during the CFA’s conference in Fort Myers, joined by Lt. Kendra Stalls, Lt. Terrence James, and City Manager Jason Davis. He credited all department members for their role in maintaining the standards required for accreditation.
“I want to personally thank each and every one of you, from our command staff to our newest recruits to our professional personnel, for the role you played in our success,” Bage said. “Accreditation affirms that we meet the highest standards in Florida law enforcement, but more importantly, it reflects who we are: a team committed to accountability, transparency, and service. I could not be prouder to serve alongside you.”
Over the past three years, the department has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and community engagement. These include expanded training programs for officers, updated operational protocols, and community outreach efforts designed to strengthen public trust and enhance safety.
City Manager Jason Davis noted that the department’s reaccreditation demonstrates Fort Walton Beach’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in public safety.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of the entire department,” Davis said. “It also reinforces the city’s commitment to providing residents with a law enforcement agency that operates at the highest level of accountability and service.”
The reaccreditation remains valid for three years. By maintaining compliance with CFA standards, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department continues to strengthen community trust, ensure operational consistency, and provide effective, accountable policing for residents of the city.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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