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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Seattle Police Department re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/20/2006 3:14:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Debra Brown (206) 684-5520
Jeff Kappel (206) 684-5520
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Seattle Police Department re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
SEATTLE – Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske today announced the Seattle Police Department has been re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA.) Of the 25 largest cities in the nation, Seattle is one of only five to have been accredited. The accreditation demonstrates the professional achievements of the men and women of the department and upholds the highest standards of law enforcement practices for the citizens of Seattle.
"The Commission’s standards are extremely rigorous and state-of-the-art. The fact that the Seattle Police Department has been re-accredited is a testament to the professionalism of our officers and the departments’ commitment to exceptional public safety services," said Kerlikowske.
Chief Kerlikowske has also been selected to receive the James V. Cotter Award for excellence in achieving and maintaining the highest standards in public safety agencies. The Cotter award is presented to the Chief Executive Officer who has successfully brought three or more agencies into CALEA accredited status. Chief Kerlikowske has obtained accredited status for Port Lucie, FL. (1991), Fort Pierce, FL. (1992), and the Seattle Police Department (2003).
CALEA accreditation increases the accountability of the department’s administration and operations, formalizes clear, essential management policy and procedures, and establishes fair and sound practices for department personnel. It also improves the accountability of programs and services to citizens and builds community confidence and trust.
The Seattle Police Department voluntarily applied for accreditation with CALEA in June of 2001 and has since complied with over 400 standards to meet the best professional requirements and practices for law enforcement agencies nationwide.
CALEA was established in 1979 as an independent accrediting authority by four major law enforcement associations: The International Association of Police Chiefs, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriff’s Association and the Police Executive Research Forum. Its accreditation program requires agencies to comply with the highest standards in four areas: policy and procedure, administration, operation and support services.
For more information on CALEA, please contact Sylvester Daughtry, Jr., Executive Director, CALEA, 1-800-368-3757. The CALEA website is: http://www.calea.org
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