CALEA COMMISSION on ACCREDIATION for LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

CALEA established in 1979; Internationally recognized organization; CALEA standards are developed based on researched and proven law enforcement practices. HISTORY

MARYLAND 27 Police agencies currently CALEA certified out of approximately 149 agencies state-wide, approximately 18%. UNITED STATES 581 Police agencies currently CALEA certified out of approximately 17,000 agencies nationwide, slightly less than 4%.

CALEAs goals: Formalize essential management procedures; Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; Enhance crime prevention; Increase efficiency of police service delivery to the community; Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.

There are six general phases or steps in the accreditation process: Self-Assessment Enrollment Preparation On-Site Assessment Commission Review and Decision Maintaining Compliance Process Average time for for CALEA compliance is 3 years.

Why do it?

Proven Management Practices Provides a nationally recognized and accepted system of management; CALEA holds positions (not people) accountable; CALEA provides for a larger repository of crime data and statistics than currently available; Sets detailed direction and description for specific positions within the agency.

Reduced risk and liability exposure Can reduce liability exposure in civil litigation by having internationally recognized standards which have been met as verified by a team of independent outside CALEA-trained assessors.

Funding opportunities Grant funding is often linked to CALEA standards; Agencies with CALEA certification have demonstrated their dedication to professional law enforcement and will be more attractive to grant funding. In 2000 Sheriff Jim Hagy of the Frederick County Sheriffs Office attributed the awarding of over $1 million in grant funds to being CALEA certified. CALEA Update Magazine Issue 77 October 2001

Improved Relationship with the Community Accreditation increases community interaction with enhanced community involvement by the agency; Accreditation embodies the concepts of community- oriented policing; Accreditation creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together.

Employee morale and satisfaction Peace of mind for emergency preparedness; Member of an agency nationally recognized as elite Clearly defines line of authority; Enhances agency morale due to consistency and well established guidelines.

What are the costs?

COSTS YEAR 1 $ Registration fee $ YEAR 2 $ Registration fee $ YEAR 3 $ Registration fee $ On-Site evaluation $ YEAR 4… $ Annual fee $

Identify and appoint an accreditation manager; Office equipment and supplies; Costs associated with bringing the facility and the department into compliance; Costs associated with additional training. Are there additional costs?

Professional excellence Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.