By Bob Hembree
The Colorado City/Hildale Police Department received professional law enforcement
accreditation Sept. 25, marking a historic milestone for a department that underwent a
complete transformation following federal civil rights violations.
The department achieved recognition from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation
Program (ALEAP), with the Utah Law Enforcement Professional Standards
Accreditation Program recognition also expected soon. The achievement comes just three
months after the cities were released from federal oversight, two years ahead of
schedule.
Hildale Mayor Donia Jessop announced the achievement on social media, calling it a
“prestigious accreditation, reaching the highest standards of professional law
enforcement.”
“Just 3 months after the Cities and police department were released two years early
from a 10-year DOJ indictment!” Jessop wrote. “Two huge accomplishments they said
would never be done!”
Complete Department Overhaul
The path to accreditation began following a 2017 federal jury verdict that found the
Colorado City Marshal’s Office operated as an arm of the Fundamentalist Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and engaged in discriminatory policing
practices. The Department of Justice lawsuit revealed systematic violations of residents’
constitutional rights and Fair Housing Act protections.
The department has experienced 100% personnel turnover since the federal reforms
began in 2017. Chief Radley’s leadership of the transformation effort led to his recent
appointment to the board of directors of the Arizona Municipal Risk Retention Pool
(AMRRP), the same insurance organization that had previously expelled the department
due to civil rights violations.
Recognition for Accreditation Team
Mayor Jessop recognized the accreditation team’s efforts, crediting Chief Robb Radley
for leading “with unwavering vision and integrity through this remarkable
transformation.” The accreditation team included Lieutenant Mark Gower, Sergeant
David Wilkinson, and Ashley Morton Barlow, who serves as Assistant Administrator and
Accreditation Manager. Ashley Morton Barlow received additional recognition, winning the first-ever “Unsung Hero”
award for her exceptional dedication to the accreditation process. Ashley Morton Barlow, who
holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Sonoma State
University, joined the department in 2023 and expanded her role from administrative
assistant to managing evidence, victim advocacy, and accreditation.
Dual-State Operations
The Colorado City/Hildale Police Department serves communities in both Arizona and
Utah, requiring officers to maintain dual certification to meet law enforcement standards
in both states. The department is enrolled in accreditation programs in both states,
making it unique among law enforcement agencies.
“Our world is constantly changing, and law enforcement has to grow with it,” Ashley Morton
Barlow said. “Accreditation standards are reviewed and revised by professionals and
legal experts to reflect nationally recognized best practices. Following those standards
helps us better serve our communities, our neighbors, and ensures we’re always
working to improve.”
Ashley Morton Barlow acknowledged the department’s transformation from its connection to the
DOJ federal injunction. “Initially, the process was tied to getting released from a
DOJ/Federal injunction. Now that we’ve been released, accreditation remains important
because it shows we’re committed to best practices in law enforcement, and that’s
something we can be proud of.”
Jessop emphasized the collaborative effort behind the achievement. “This incredible
success is a direct result of the outstanding leadership in our organization,” she said.
“This achievement reflects the strength of our collaborative approach between city
leadership, and our police department, creating the foundation for this remarkable
success.”
Current Operations
In Aug. 2025, Colorado City officers handled 258 cases while Hildale officers took 224
cases. The department conducted 74 traffic stops in Colorado City and 139 in Hildale,
issuing 83 citations and making two DUI arrests.
The department responded to highway crashes on Highway 389 at Airport Road and
State Route 59, where the use of safety equipment reduced injury severity. Chief
Radley emphasized the department’s continued focus on motor vehicle safety
enforcement and promoting safety equipment use.
Community Investment and Growth
The transformation extends beyond policy changes to physical improvements and
community engagement. The department relocated from cramped quarters in the
basement of the town hall building to a remodeled facility in the school building on
Colvin Street. The new facility includes expanded space and a training room that serves
other law enforcement agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety and
the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Hildale City Council Member Terrill Musser described the change as profound. “Over the
past eight years, the Short Creek police department has gone through one of the most
profound transformations our community has ever seen,” Musser said. “What was once
a force tied to religious control has been rebuilt into a department dedicated to the
people, to the Constitution, and to the laws of our states.”
The department’s community engagement includes participating in local events. “We
see it in the community events, like the Fall Fest dance off, where officers and
firefighters laugh and compete with our kids and neighbors,” Musser said. “These
moments humanize the badge and remind us that law enforcement is not about power
over the people, but about partnership with the people.”
Many officers have established lasting connections with the community. “We have
watched our officers step down from the podium and onto the street, meeting people
where they are, learning our culture, and investing in our future,” Musser said. “Many of
them came here from outside, and now they are putting down roots, looking to raise
their families here alongside ours.”
Federal Oversight Conclusion
The twin cities of Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, were released from federal
oversight in July 2024, two years ahead of the scheduled 2027 deadline. The early
termination of the injunction recognized the communities’ institutional changes and
compliance with court-mandated reforms.
Musser reflected on the department’s survival and growth. “Our cities once faced the
real possibility of losing their departments altogether,” she said. “Instead we chose to
stand up for our officers, and in turn they have stood up for us. Today the relationship is
one of trust, respect, and shared responsibility.”
Jessop expressed gratitude for the department’s service. “On behalf of the City of
Hildale I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Chief Robb Radley and every member of
our police department,” she said. “Your dedication and professionalism makes our
community safer and stronger!”
The accreditation represents the completion of the department’s transformation from an
organization found guilty of constitutional violations to one recognized for adherence to
professional law enforcement standards. The achievement requires ongoing compliance
with standards through regular review cycles, ensuring the department maintains its
commitment to professional policing practices.
