Focus on Accreditation: A Small Police Department's Success

• NCJ Number: 204201
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 73 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 18-21
• Author(s): William L. Wilcox
• Date Published: February 2004
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article focuses on the accreditation process and presents how the German Township, Ohio, Police Department received their accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).

Abstract

CALEA came together in 1979 through the efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The goal of CALEA is to develop law enforcement standards and to establish and administer the voluntary accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies demonstrate that they meet those standards. Law enforcement agencies that become accredited enjoy many benefits: controlled liability insurance costs; stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints; greater accountability within the agency; support from government officials; and increased community advocacy. In seeking accreditation, the law enforcement agency must first demonstrate a commitment to the process and must ensure that they possess the necessary personnel to manage the accreditation process. Moreover, the agency must have access to the financial resources necessary to undergo the accreditation assessment and to make needed changes to achieve accreditation. The German Township, Ohio, Police Department secured its financial resources for the accreditation process through grants and donations, illustrating that even small agencies can use creative methods to achieve the resources necessary to become accredited. Other tips for successfully completing the accreditation process include the careful choice of the accreditation manager and constant self-assessment. The accreditation process for the German Township, Ohio, Police Department proved to be a worthwhile and satisfying achievement. Endnotes