The Andalusia Police Department became one of the first Alabama departments to be officially accredited by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police.

Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn, who serves as vice president of the association, presented the official certification to Mayor Earl Johnson and Andalusia Chief Paul Hudson Tuesday night.

The certificate of accreditation says the department has “demonstrated its commitment to police excellence by living up to the progressive standards to ensure that police services are delivered within the community at the highest level of professionalism and integrity.”

Lovvorn said Andalusia is one of the first departments to receive the five-year accreditation.

Hudson, who chaired the AACOP committee that developed accreditation standards, said to receive the five-year accreditation, a department’s policies must be audited.