Under Chief Boisse Correa, the Honolulu Police Department has earned a reputation as "one of the finest and progressive police departments in the nation," according to the Honolulu Police Commission's annual evaluation of the city's top cop.

Correa was evaluated on leadership qualities, managerial skills and communication with the commission. In each category he "exceeded expectations," according to a news release from the commission. Correa was graded by the commission's seven members, who agreed that Correa should receive high marks in all categories.

The commission was appointed by Mayor Mufi Hannemann and is made up of Charlian Wright, Benjamin Saguibo, Mark Hunsaker, Keith Amemiya, Boyd Andrade, Mike McCartney and Christine H.H. Camp Friedman.

"We gave him a good rating and he deserved it," said commission chairman Andrade.

A Honolulu police spokesman did not return a message seeking comment. Tenari Ma'afala, chairman of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, did not return a message seeking comment yesterday.

Correa's first review, delivered last year, was equally outstanding.

During his initial evaluation, the commission lauded Correa's efforts to improve crime prevention, traffic management, homeland security, technology management and community programs as best he could during tough financial times.

In his latest evaluation, the commission praised Correa for a reduction in the rate of felony crimes reported and implementing tighter controls on overtime spending.

He was also credited for helping to see that HPD is one of three police departments in the country to achieve accreditation in law enforcement, communications and training.

To be accredited, a police department has to meet more than 440 standards in the areas of policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services. HPD's training division was accredited in March, the agency was accredited in 2003 and the communications division was accredited in 2004.

The commission will meet with Correa later this month to discuss goals for 2007 and the criteria for his next evaluation.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.