Pinehurst Police Department earns accreditation

The Village of Pinehurst Police Department has achieved full accreditation through the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA) program, marking a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to professional excellence, accountability and service to the community.

The accreditation was formally awarded Friday, November 6, by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission during its meeting at Wake Technical Community College’s Public Safety Campus in Raleigh.

To earn full accreditation, the department demonstrated compliance with 116 professional standards designed to promote effective law enforcement operations, sound policies and procedures, and organizational accountability.

“This accreditation represents a tremendous amount of work and dedication from our entire department,” said Pinehurst Police Chief Glen Webb. “I especially want to recognize Captain Justin Guthrie and Sergeant Kirsten Czako for their hard work and commitment throughout this process. Achieving accreditation demonstrates our dedication to maintaining high professional standards, holding ourselves accountable and providing the best possible service to the Pinehurst community.”

Captain Justin Guthrie served as the department’s accreditation manager, overseeing the extensive review of policies, procedures and documentation required throughout the process. Sergeant Kirsten Czako also played a significant role in the department’s accreditation efforts, working alongside Guthrie and other department personnel to help ensure the agency met the program’s rigorous standards.

Established in 2023, NCLEA is a voluntary statewide accreditation program developed by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission.

The accreditation process requires agencies to thoroughly examine their policies, procedures and daily operations against established statewide standards. Beyond earning the designation, accreditation provides a framework for ongoing evaluation, accountability and continuous improvement.

For Pinehurst residents, the designation offers additional assurance that their Police Department operates according to recognized professional standards and is committed to responsible, effective law enforcement.

“Our residents expect and deserve a Police Department that operates with professionalism, integrity and a commitment to excellence,” said Village Manager Doug Willardson. “This accreditation is an important validation of the work our officers do every day and the leadership that guides our department. We’re proud of this achievement and the continued investment our Police Department makes in serving and protecting Pinehurst.”

While accreditation represents a significant achievement, the department’s commitment to professional excellence extends beyond the award. Maintaining these standards and continually evaluating department operations will remain priorities as the Pinehurst Police Department continues serving the community.

For more information about the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation program, visit https://ncdoj.gov/north-carolina-law-enforcement-accreditation/.

Nov. 8, 2026

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