This has been a very busy and exciting month for the Conyers Police Department. During the past week, we have had assessors at the department from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies reviewing our policies, procedures and practices.

This is being done to determine if we meet the requirements to become a nationally accredited police agency under the guidelines of CALEA.

The assessors have been interviewing and observing officers while also looking at critical areas of the department. Additionally, they have been interviewing and interacting with community members. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, we had our town hall CALEA hearing.

There was a good turnout for this, and I would like to thank the citizens of the community for supporting us in this endeavor. The assessors will return home and complete a written report which will be sent to the CALEA commissioners for review. There will be a hearing in November to determine the outcome of the assessment. We are expecting to be awarded CALEA accreditation status at the hearing. As soon as we get any information, I will provide it to the community.

The police department has been having great results from our educational flyer program. We have passed out flyers in the neighborhoods with information on crime prevention.

We are seeing a drastic reduction of air conditioner thefts and burglaries. People are becoming more vigilant in their neighborhoods and calling the police when they see something suspicious.

We are very appreciative of this community's involvement in our efforts to reduce the amount of crime occurring here as well as looking out for their neighbors. Crime in the city of Conyers still remains down from 2011. This is in no small part thanks to the assistance of our dedicated community.

Last month, we reported on an incident that occurred in the Kroger parking lot. During the past week, we recognized the officers involved in capturing the perpetrators in this incident. Corporal John Bruce and Officer Howard Reynolds did a great job in locating and apprehending the suspects. Each officer received a commendation ribbon.

In closing, I want to extend my congratulations and appreciation to Roderick Bloodworth for five years of service with the city of Conyers.