Yeadon Police Earns PLEAC Accreditation as Delaware County’s 16th

Key Points

• The Yeadon Police Department has become the latest force in Delaware County to receive state-level accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) for providing professional services.
• Chief Henry Giammarco and borough officials accepted the accreditation at a ceremony on Thursday.
• Yeadon is the 16th Delaware County police department to achieve this certification, with several more still pursuing it.
• David Splain, Chief of Nether Providence Police and PLEAC board member, confirmed Yeadon as the 16th in the county.
• Statewide, over 375 law enforcement agencies have enrolled in the programme, with 198 currently maintaining accredited status, including the 16 from Delaware County.
• It remains unclear whether Delaware County has the highest number of accredited departments among Pennsylvania counties.
• The accreditation demonstrates the department’s adherence to proven, nationally recognised practices and dedication to high-quality public service.
• It reflects commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in public safety services.
• Accreditation is a voluntary, rigorous process covering standards in use of force, evidence handling, training, internal accountability, and community relations.
• Chief Giammarco described it as a longtime vision, crediting the collective effort of sworn officers, command staff, support personnel, and Lt. Shawn Burns as accreditation manager.
• Borough Mayor Rohan Hepkins praised the achievement as a rare milestone for a small percentage of Pennsylvania police departments.
• Giammarco thanked former District Attorney Jack Stoltsteimer, Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton for securing a grant, Mayor Hepkins, and Borough Council for their support.
• The department expressed gratitude to the community for unwavering support.
• Accreditation status is valid for three years, requiring annual reports, and serves as a foundation for ongoing excellence rather than an endpoint.
• Years of preparation involved policy development, documentation, and collaboration across all department levels.

Yeadon, Delaware County (The Leeds Times) January 28, 2026 – The Yeadon Police Department has earned state-level accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC), marking it as the 16th such department in Delaware County to achieve this distinction for delivering professional services.

This voluntary certification underscores the force’s alignment with nationally recognised best practices, emphasising high-quality service to the public. Chief Henry Giammarco, alongside borough officials, formally accepted the accolade at a ceremony held on Thursday.

What Does the Accreditation Signify?

PLEAC accreditation signifies that a police department operates in accordance with proven standards, fostering professionalism, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in public safety. Officials highlighted its role in assuring the public of reliable service delivery.

As reported in coverage of the event, the process validates compliance across critical areas including use of force policies, evidence handling procedures, officer training, internal accountability mechanisms, and community relations strategies. It is a mark of dedication beyond basic operational requirements.

Statewide figures indicate over 375 agencies enrolled, with 198 maintaining active accredited status – among them the 16 from Delaware County. David Splain, Nether Providence Police Chief and PLEAC board member, noted that several more Delaware County departments are pursuing certification, though it was not specified if the county leads Pennsylvania in this regard.​

Who Were the Key Figures at the Ceremony?

Chief Henry Giammarco led the acceptance alongside borough officials at Thursday’s ceremony. In a news release, Giammarco described the milestone as a vision he shared during his interview for the chief position, crediting the entire department’s effort.

Giammarco stated: “This was a vision I shared during the interview process for the position of chief. However, even though it was my vision, it took an unbelievable effort from the entire department. Special thanks to Lt. Shawn Burns, who served as the accreditation manager.” He added: “The whole department pulled together, and we succeeded as a team. I say all the time that it is an honour and a pleasure to lead such a great team.”​

Lt. Shawn Burns played a pivotal role as accreditation manager, ensuring compliance with every standard through years of preparation, policy development, documentation, and departmental collaboration. Giammarco praised the sworn officers, command staff, and support personnel for exceeding PLEAC requirements.

How Was the Accreditation Process Conducted?

The accreditation journey demanded a rigorous, voluntary evaluation over several years. Agencies must meet exacting standards in operational and ethical domains, from use of force protocols to evidence management and community engagement initiatives.

This process involved comprehensive policy reviews, extensive documentation, and cross-level teamwork within the Yeadon Police Department. As per departmental statements, it represented not merely compliance but a surpassing of expectations, solidifying a culture of excellence.

Borough Mayor Rohan Hepkins lauded the outcome, saying: “I couldn’t be more proud of this rare milestone, only accomplished by a small percentage of police departments within our commonwealth. Hat’s off to Chief Giammarco and our YPD for reaching this incredible milestone.”​

What Support Did the Department Receive?

Giammarco extended thanks to key supporters, including former District Attorney Jack Stoltsteimer, who backed the process from its inception. He also acknowledged Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton for helping secure a vital grant.

“To the community, thank you for your unwavering support. The support of Mayor Hepkins and the Borough Council contributed significantly to the accreditation process and to the continued success of the police department as we strive to serve our community,” Giammarco remarked.

This broad backing from elected officials and residents was instrumental, enabling resource allocation and morale during the protracted effort. The collective endorsement highlights community investment in elevated policing standards.

Why Is This Milestone Important for Yeadon?

For Yeadon, a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, this accreditation elevates its standing among peers, joining 15 prior county achievers. It positions the department as a model of progressive law enforcement amid ongoing pursuits by others locally.

David Splain’s confirmation underscores the county’s momentum, with Yeadon as the latest success. While statewide leaders remain unconfirmed, Delaware County’s 16 accredited forces represent a substantial commitment to PLEAC ideals.

The certification bolsters public confidence, promising transparent, accountable services attuned to community needs. It aligns with national benchmarks, distinguishing Yeadon in a landscape where only a fraction of agencies attain such validation.

What Happens Next for the Department?

Accreditation holds for three years, contingent on annual reports to PLEAC, ensuring sustained adherence. Chief Giammarco framed it not as a culmination but a “foundation for continued excellence,” signalling perpetual advancement.

This ongoing obligation reinforces internal discipline, with regular audits guarding against complacency. Departments must evolve policies and training to match emerging standards, perpetuating the cycle of improvement.

Giammarco reiterated the team’s cohesion: achieving this demanded unified resolve, from initial vision to final compliance. Future efforts will build on this base, potentially inspiring neighbouring forces still in pursuit.

How Does Yeadon Compare Statewide?

Pennsylvania hosts 198 accredited agencies out of over 375 enrolled, per PLEAC data. Delaware County’s 16 place it prominently, though exact county rankings await clarification.

This density suggests robust regional uptake, possibly driven by shared resources or leadership like Splain’s. Yeadon’s entry amplifies this, exemplifying scalable success for smaller departments.

Nationally, PLEAC’s model draws from progressive standards, aiding interoperability and trust. For residents, it translates to dependable protection, vetted by impartial oversight.

What Challenges Lay Ahead?

Maintaining status demands vigilance amid staffing fluctuations, policy shifts, and public scrutiny. Annual reporting will scrutinise ongoing compliance, testing resilience.​

Yet, as Giammarco noted, the department’s teamwork ethos positions it well. Community ties, fortified by this win, offer a buffer against hurdles.

Hepkins’ pride reflects civic optimism, viewing accreditation as a springboard for enhanced safety. Broader implications may spur emulation county-wide.