October 22, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

The Sutherlin Police Department has been awarded State Accreditation through the Northwest Accreditation Alliance.

The Northwest Accreditation Alliance is a credentialing organization designated by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office to evaluate law enforcement and public safety agencies against established professional standards.

A release from SPD said the accreditation process requires agencies to demonstrate compliance with standards addressing policies, procedures, operational practices, accountability, and organizational management. The process includes a Self-Assessment Phase, Onsite Assessment, Award, and a continued Re-Accreditation process every 3 years.

SPD Chief Troy Mills said, “I am proud to work for our officers, staff, the Sutherlin Community, and Douglas County as a whole.” Mills said, “Accreditation is not the finish line, but another step forward in our continued commitment to service, professionalism, and dedication.”

The release said although not mandated for departments with less than 35 sworn officers, the Sutherlin Police Department made the commitment to evaluate their policies, practices, and operations against established professional standards. The Certificate of State Accreditation was awarded to the Sutherlin Police Department on September 15th after a yearlong process.