06/10/2026
Media Release – June 10, 2026
Midlothian Texas
The Midlothian Police Department has been awarded Accredited Law Enforcement Agency status by the TPCA - Texas Police Chiefs Association (TCPA) Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Established in 2006, the program evaluates agencies on their compliance with 173 Best Practices for Texas law enforcement. Developed by experienced Texas law enforcement professionals, these standards ensure the efficient, effective delivery of police services and the protection of individual rights.
At last night’s City Council meeting, Grand Prairie Chief of Police Daniel Scesney addressed the Council and presented Midlothian Chief of Police Carl Smith with the accreditation certificate. Chief Scesney, an assessor for the Texas Accreditation Program program, thanked the Council for allowing him to participate in “something truly special.” He stated, “I am proud to be here tonight to present the Midlothian Police Department with their certificate of accreditation.” Speaking both as a program representative and as a citizen of Midlothian, he added that “this is the gold standard of professional law enforcement in Texas.”
“I believe that one of the best ways for MPD to pursue our vision of being leaders in policing—models of integrity, honorable, and holding ourselves accountable—is to achieve the milestone of accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Association Accreditation Program,” said Chief Smith in his statement of acceptance of the award.
The TCPA Best Practices encompass all major areas of law enforcement operations, evaluating 173 tenets of professionalism including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative procedures. Participation in the voluntary program required the Midlothian Police Department to conduct a thorough self-assessment of its policies, procedures, facilities, and operations. Chief Scesney noted that the panel of assessors gave the department a unanimous passing score. “As an assessor, I have never seen an agency earn their first accreditation with only two minor issues identified out of the 173 tenets,” he said.
The Midlothian Police Department completed the accreditation process on March 16, 2026. Of the approximately 2,700 law enforcement agencies in Texas, just over 220—about eight percent—hold this accreditation. This accomplishment places the department among a select group of agencies recognized for excellence in professional policing.
“TPCA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining these high standards by submitting to the required annual audit, as well as an on-site evaluation by independent auditors every four years,” stated Chief Smith. “I am incredibly proud of MPD’s accomplishment and very thankful for our Council, City Management, and community’s support. We do not take it lightly or for granted. It must be continually earned.”
