Accreditation:

What is "Accreditation" and why are we so proud to tell you about it? Accreditation, by definition, is "A certification process in which an agency meets a body of professional standards as demonstrated through formal inspection or audit by the authority granting the certification." TheIdaho Chiefs of Police Association, which has membership comprised of Chiefs of Police and police department command staff from the various departments in Idaho, has set forth a collection of minimum requirements for accreditation that it has deemed necessary to enhance professionalism in Idaho law enforcement and quality of service to our citizens. Included in these professional standards are a Code of Ethics, minimum entry requirements, a recognized body of knowledge which officers study to draw necessary expertise, and other specific standards that form maximum guidelines for the practice of the police service as defined by law.


The first step is adoption of a formal Policy Manual that contains guidance to our officers across a broad spectrum of procedural and legal issues, and contains the professional standards mentioned above. The Buhl Police Department utilizes theLexipol®policy manual, which is a constantly updated policy and procedure manual that is reviewed by legal and public safety professionals to ensure that the Buhl Police Department is following the best practices and laws regarding police services for our community. The manual is literally customized to meet the needs of the citizens of Buhl and our department. Additionally, all employees participate in Daily Training Bulletins, which is daily training on the content of the policy, procedure, and professional standards contained in the department policy manual. This daily training allows us to constantly stay trained and informed regarding the content of the manual, and ultimately to better serve the citizens of Buhl.


The accreditation process culminates in a comprehensive audit to guarantee that the professional standards required for accreditation are contained in the policy manual, and to verify that the officers of the department are putting them into practice. The Buhl Police Department first attained accreditation in 2002 under the guidance of then Chief Terry Tipton. We then were re-accredited in 2008 under Chief Ron Romero, in 2013 under Chief Eric Foster and in 2021 under the current Chief Jeremy Engbaum. The Idaho Chiefs of Police Association recently changed the standard for re-accreditation auditing from every five years to every three years, raising the standards to a new level to more frequently audit agencies and increase professionalism in Idaho law enforcement. The Buhl Police Department intends to continue to meet these standards of professionalism so we can continue to provide the best service possible to the citizens of the City of Buhl.

Chief's Corner

Buhl Police Department

On behalf of the men and women of the Buhl Police Department, welcome to our website. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our organization. I'm honored to have the privilege of serving our community as the Chief of Police. I invite you to browse our website and hope you find the information to be helpful and informative. 

The Buhl Police Department operates on a daily basis under a strong police/community partnership philosophy. Our policing philosophy balances a foundation of traditional policing concepts with innovative and progressive methods to help evolve with our citizens into the future.

I am a firm believer in surrounding oneself with exemplary individuals.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity to watch, listen and learn from many dedicated community servants, such as our council members, the mayor, city department heads, city employees and members of the Buhl Police Department staff. Each day I will work hard to follow their good examples and lead your police department in a professional, responsible, and progressive direction.

The men and women of the Buhl Police Department are critical to its success; however, we cannot do it alone. Through community relationships, we seek to better serve the citizens of our community. Thank you for your interest in the Buhl Police Department we appreciate your support. 


Jeremy R. Engbaum, MPA

Chief of Police



Recognized by the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association as a fully Accredited Police Agency
Buhl, Idaho