NCJ Number
200654
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2003 Pages: 12-15
Date Published
March 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the benefits of a police agency and its officers to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
Abstract
The authors contend that law enforcement agencies should strive to be accredited through CALEA because of the many benefits accreditation offers. Among the benefits of accreditation, the authors note that liability insurance is lowered, there are stronger defenses against citizen complaints, and police agencies with accreditation gain the assured support of local and State governmental agencies. Accreditation is part of the process of professionalizing police officers and police departments. Without an accreditation process, general standards are difficult to measure and communicate. Accreditation sets a precedent for good police management. The authors uncover and correct some of the fallacies surrounding the accreditation process, such as the mistaken belief that the accreditation process is too difficult and takes too long to complete. In conclusion, the authors challenge all police agencies to strive toward professionalism and to gain professional accreditation.