The Riverton Police Department completed accreditation status through the Utah Chiefs of Police this fall. 

UCOPA is an association dedicated to promoting effective, professional law enforcement services through unity and leadership, according to its website. Its Region 2 Vice President Brad Bishop, also Payson’s chief of police, presented Riverton Police Chief Blair Barfuss and the department with its accreditation certificate in October. It’s a process, Bishop said, that goes through 176 standards which is “quite tedious.” 

“It’s often intimidating to have a group of outside people come in and look at your department and policies and procedures and make sure you’re up to that standard,” Bishop said. “Chief Barfuss and his team have done a great job.” 

Jason Watterson, a consultant with the Utah Local Governments Trust, works as a risk management partner with the city and reimbursed the department for undergoing the process. 

“We believe in accreditation,” he said. “We know this is an important part of the overall policing process, this is essential.”

Barfuss was quick to credit Deputy Chief Shane Taylor and Executive Assistant Mia Chase for spearheading the accreditation process which involves adhering to a set of standards to ensure professionalism, ethical conduct and compliance with laws and regulations. 

Accreditation lasts five years, so Riverton would be required to undergo the process again in 2027 to keep its accreditation. There are 25 other agencies in Utah to have also earned this distinction from UCOPA. South Jordan and Draper are the only other agencies in Salt Lake County to hold this accreditation. West Valley City and Salt Lake City are nationally accredited. 

“This is a huge foundational piece to our future success,” Barfuss said. λ