For agencies interested in finding out more about the Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program, here are some suggestions: 

• Purchase a copy of the Standards for Public Safety Communications Agencies and carefully review and compare the CALEA Standards to your existing written directives. By doing this you should be able to determine: 1. what additions or changes will need to be made to policies and procedures; 2. how long this might take; and 3. what additional costs will be involved to include in budget.
   
• Download the CALEA Accreditation Compliance Express (CACE) Help File. The CACE Program provides an agency with a powerful tool in completing the steps necessary to achieve accredited status and serves as a valuable assistant in the overall management of the accreditation process. Click here to begin the download process.

• Attend a CALEA Conference. Who should attend? Key council members; managers; mayor; communication center entity CEO; command staff; or designated accreditation manager. You will receive the training needed to begin the process and to successfully complete your accreditation goals; network with other public safety personnel and gain insight into the program; and consult with other CALEA Agencies for “flagship examples.”

• Arrange to visit with a nearby CALEA Accredited Agency to view accreditation files and written directives.

• Attend and/or join the local PAC (Police Accreditation Coalition), if available to you. This is another resource for information and accreditation process training. Click here to check on a PAC in your area.

When the agency is ready to enroll in a CALEA Program, it submits the following five documents to CALEA:

1.   A completed and signed Enrollment Form.

2.   Legal Basis and Eligibility Statement.

3.   Two copies of the signed program-specific Agreement.

4.   A check or purchase order for the appropriate initial accreditation fee, based on the Invoice Option schedule selected and the size of the agency.  The accreditation fee is nonrefundable.

5.   A program-specific Agency Profile Questionnaire (APQ).

TO PRINT EACH OF THESE DOCUMENTS CLICK HERE.

The agency begins the phase called self-assessment with the return of the signed Agreement and the completed APQ.  The APQ is an informal document permitting answers to be provided as conveniently as possible and the best estimate may be appropriate in some areas. The completed APQ contains agency-specific and general community information that permits the assigned CALEA Program Manager to facilitate interaction with the agency’s accreditation manager and provide program related assistance. 

Agencies in the Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program have 24 months from the date a CALEA representative signs the Accreditation Agreement to complete self-assessment and schedule an on-site assessment. The Agreements provide for extensions and related fees in the event an agency requires additional time beyond the Agreement limit. 

The agency proceeds with self-assessment by complying with applicable standards, developing proofs of compliance, and preparing for the on-site assessment.  During this time, the CALEA Program Manager is available to provide guidance on the applicability of standards and attaining compliance.

Near the end of the self-assessment phase, the agency, in conjunction with the CALEA Program Manager, develops plans for accomplishing on-site assessment activities. 

Once the agency has notified CALEA of its completion of the self-assessment phase and its desire to schedule an on-site assessment, the CALEA Program Manager schedules a date that is mutually agreeable and in compliance with the agreement between the agency and CALEA. 

The Commission’s Agency Review Committees conduct hearings, which are open for public attendance, regarding the agency’s compliance to applicable standards.  Designated agency representatives are invited to participate in this review.  If an agency is unable to participate, the CALEA Program Manager presents the agency’s on-site report and other necessary information to the Review Committee. 

At the CALEA Conference, the agency receives a letter conferring accredited status for three years.  Later, one framed Certificate of Accreditation for display is sent, at no cost to the agency.  The agency also receives certificates of appreciation for the CEO and accreditation manager.  Additional certificates can be ordered, for a fee, from CALEA. 

The agency must maintain compliance with applicable standards, keep its proofs of compliance up-to-date, and live by the letter and spirit of those standards.  To retain its accreditation status, the agency is required to submit to CALEA annually, the appropriate accreditation continuation fees and a CALEA Agency Annual Report. The annual report, due by its anniversary date each year, includes a summary of the agency’s accreditation maintenance experience for the preceding year and a declaration of continued compliance with applicable standards.