Margate Police Department Meets Rigorous Standards for Reaccreditation

by David Volz July 5, 2026

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Margate Police Chief Michael Palma receives a reaccreditation plaque for his department’s work. {David Volz}

The Margate Police Department earned reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation on June 25.

During the July 1 meeting, it was announced that the department had been reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

To achieve and maintain accreditation, police agencies must demonstrate ongoing compliance with hundreds of standards governing virtually every aspect of law enforcement operations.

These standards encompass administration, leadership, organizational structure, use of force, officer training and safety, recruitment and hiring, evidence and property management, communications, criminal investigations, records management, emergency operations, fiscal accountability, and community relations, according to Major Michael Druzbik, Public Information Officer.

Accreditation is an ongoing process rather than a one-time accomplishment. This rigorous review helps keep policies current and operations regularly evaluated, while ensuring nationally recognized best practices continue to guide professional, effective, and accountable law enforcement services, according to Druzbik.

According to Druzbik, the process also enhances cooperation and coordination with other law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system. It establishes measurable professional standards that promote accountability, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence,

The Margate Police Department was last accredited in 2023, and the award is earned by achieving the standards every three years. The department was one of the first to earn the award in 1997, according to Druzbik.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.