Panelist Speaks

The open forum drew a small crowd - less than five people - and only two men spoke on behalf of the department, both giving positive reviews. The forum was over in about 20 minutes.

According to Howard Niemeier, accreditation manager for the Newport, Ky. police department and a member of the three-person panel, the small crowd is seen as a good thing.

"If people are satisfied, you usually don't have a big crowd. ...It shows that people are generally satisfied."

Niemeier said his agency has earned accreditation status since 1998.