Bettendorf Police Department Awarded ILEAP State Accreditation

The ILEAP Board awarded the accreditation on April 20, 2026, and the accreditation certificate was formally presented to BPD by ILEAP Director Mike Venema during Bettendorf City Council's Regular Meeting on June 2, 2026.

Pictured (left to right): ILEAP Director Mike Venema, Sergeant Matt Poirier, Chief Doug Scott, Captain Andrew Champion, Mayor Bob Gallagher

"I am extremely proud of the dedication our department showed in updating our policies, aligning them with modern best practices, and successfully completing the ILEAP assessment," said Bettendorf Police Chief Doug Scott. "Sergeant Matt Poirier's leadership was instrumental in guiding this effort and moving the department forward. This achievement reflects our community's expectations that we lead with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellence in policing."

"This is an important milestone for your community," said ILEAP Director Mike Venema during the presentation. "This is more than a certificate - it's a recognition of excellence in modern policing and an outside, independent validation that BPD is meeting high standards and is committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement."

ILEAP was created to fill a major gap. Before it was established in 2023, Iowa was one of only about a dozen states without a state-level law enforcement accreditation program.

ILEAP is designed to help agencies:

• Establish and Maintain Standards: Ensure practices reflect current, professional law enforcement best practices.
• Increase Effectiveness and Efficiency: Strengthen how services are delivered to the public.
• Reduce Liability: Implement standards that protect agencies, staff, and the community.

Accreditation is a voluntary achievement demonstrating that an agency:

• Follows a comprehensive and contemporary set of written directives.
• Has undergone external review and met rigorous professional standards.
• Is committed to continuous improvement in policing practices.
• Upholds transparency and accountability to the public.

ILEAP accreditation brings numerous benefits, including:

• Independent professional endorsement.
• Reduced liability and potentially lower insurance costs.
• Improved policy understanding and implementation.
• Increased community trust and confidence.

"By earning this certificate, BPD has demonstrated its commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continual progress," said Chief Scott. "This achievement reflects the department's dedication to building community trust and delivering the highest standard of police services."