THOMASVILLE — About 40 people attended a Monday public hearing where Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assessors heard comments about Thomasville Police Department.

CALEA assessors from Ohio and Florida arrived Sunday and will depart Wednesday after inspecting TPD for recertification. TPD has been CALEA-certified since 1986.

Thomasville resident Joe Brown said TPD officers are professional and listen to people. Officers defused an August 2017 drug squad agent-involved fatal shooting and prevented violence in the city, Brown told assessors.

“I thought it was a good example of community policing at its best,” Brown said.

Beth Grant said officers reacted humanely and beautifully to a mental health situation at her home and cleared streets so people could march after the 2017 shooting death.

TPD has “a love affair” with the community, said Kha McDonald, City of Thomasville human resources director, who has worked with four TPD chiefs.

“I fully support the CALEA process and would like for us to move forward with CALEA,” McDonald said.

Sonia Vick described TPD as engaged, compassionate, transparent and focused.

Chief Troy Rich was a leader in the healing process after the 2017 shooting, Vick said, adding, “It was a dark time in our city.”

Margret Brinson said police responded to a break-in at her home, and she was “completely satisfied” with the response.

The Rev. W.B. Sales said Rich instructs his officers to decelerate situations.

The Rev. Stacey Capers pointed out TPD’s “professionalism and the way they protect the community.”

CALEA assessors took 13 TPD-related phone calls Monday afternoon. All calls were positive, said assessor John Mason, retired Heath, Ohio, police chief. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820