CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation

WHAT IS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION?

Accreditation is a process in which a law enforcement agency voluntarily complies to over 400 professional standards defined by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The standards focus on department policies, and operational procedures such as police training, use of force, emergency preparedness, and accountability. Compliance with these standards means a law enforcement agency both follows a code of conduct recognized by its law enforcement peers, the legal system and the public and also meets the best professional requirements and practices for agencies nationwide.

CALEA STATUS OF THE SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

In November 2003, the Seattle Police Department first received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

The Seattle Police Department most recently received re-accreditation in November of 2006.

Seattle Police Department re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)

WHAT IS CALEA?

CALEA was established in 1979 as an independent accrediting authority by four major law enforcement associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Its accreditation program requires agencies to comply with the highest standards in four areas: policy and procedures, administration, operation, and support services. These standards are reviewed every three years by highly-qualified law enforcement professionals to ensure compliance.

CALEA website

DID YOU KNOW?

At the time of it's re-accreditation in 2006, Seattle was only one of 5 of the 25 largest cities in the nation to have a police agency accredited by CALEA.

Before he came to Seattle, Chief Kerlikowske also obtained accredited status for agencies in Port Lucie, FL. and Fort Pierce, FL. In 2006, he was selected to receive the James V. Cotter Award for having successfully brought three or more agencies into CALEA accredited status.