The CALEA Logo

This information is courtesy of Mr. James V. Cotter, CALEA’s first Executive Director, and FBI Special Agent Karen Donnelly Gardner who worked on the logo project.

The design of the CALEA logo was one of the first undertakings of the four founding associations and the newly formed Commission in 1979. The logo depicts an eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath. The eagle is a national symbol, the laurel wreath represents an award or decoration of honor. The wreath is hinged in the center by a star which represents the badge of office. The logo is capped top and bottom with a banner identifying it as the seal of LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION™.

The eagle is the "Vice Presidential Eagle" with drooping wings. The eagle is clutching arrows in its left claw, symbolizing "battle " or "war," and an olive branch in its right claw symbolizing "peace." The eagle is looking right, in the direction of the olive branch, symbolizing "the desire to resolve issues by peaceful means."

The BLUE and GOLD colors are also symbolic. The gold represents something of value that shines brightly. Blue has been associated with many qualities, but here it represents "the thin blue line" of law enforcement. Additionally, the colors are mutually used by each of the four founding associations: IACP, NOBLE, NSA, and PERF.