The Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has announced an Organizational Assessment for the Marysville, Kansas Police Department. This initiative is part of the Collaborative Reform Initiative, a voluntary program aimed at improving law enforcement agencies' services and operations. The assessment will cover areas such as community policing, workforce development, strategic planning, employee wellness, and technology.

Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer stated, "Requesting an Organizational Assessment review shows that an agency is being pro-active in its efforts to create the best department possible to serve the needs of its community." He commended the Marysville Police Department for taking this step.

Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office added, "It is only by examining what’s going well, and what could be improved upon, that an agency can make strides to building a department the community wants and deserves."

Updates on this effort will be available online as part of transparency measures. The Collaborative Reform Initiative offers three programs: Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment. These programs aim to build trust between law enforcement and communities while enhancing operational efficiencies.

The Organizational Assessment program provides in-depth assistance to improve fairness and effectiveness in agency operations. It involves continuous assessment with public reporting for transparency and accountability. A multidisciplinary team will support each engagement with expertise from various fields.

The COPS Office was established in 1994 as part of the Justice Department's efforts to advance community policing nationwide. It has awarded over $20 billion in grants to support law enforcement agencies across the country.