The Independence Police Department became an accredited agency in April of 1999. Chief Shawn Butler was the Accreditation Manager for the Department and worked with members of the Department to ensure compliance with accreditation standards

The Independence Police Department completed the self-assessment phase of accreditation. During this phase all aspects of department policies, procedures and operations were examined. Previous standards were measured against accepted standards of accreditation and adjustments were made where necessary.

When the self-assessment was complete an on-site assessment was conducted by an Independent Assessment Team. The Assessment Team ensured the Department was in compliance with accreditation standards. Once the Assessment Team was satisfied that standards had been met their findings were presented to the KACP Executive Board.

The KACP Executive Board reviewed their findings with Chief Butler. The KACP Executive Board was satisfied that all standards had been met and a formal award of accreditation was presented.