Accreditation in Two Steps

Following a two year effort from a special task force, CALEA Commissioners approved the concept and framework for establishing relationships with state accreditation programs, and creating a tiered or two-step process for the achievement of accreditation. The process will be available directly through CALEA or through formal affiliations with state accreditation programs.

The first tier contains a "core" of 96 CALEA standards that reflect high liability and legal issues, critical management practices, life, health, and safety issues. Compliance with core standards will result in the achievement of a new award category called "CALEA Recognized." Those agencies wishing to achieve CALEA accreditation will then address the remaining standards in the next "tier." This two-step process will be especially attractive to smaller agencies desiring to demonstrate that they meet professional standards. In states without a state accreditation program, CALEA will administer the first tier program.

Commissioner Steve Monier, who chaired the special task force, said, "States with accreditation programs that want to be in an alliance with CALEA will have their programs reviewed to ensure their standards meet CALEA’s standards intent. Moreover, biennial reviews will ensure that the integrity of the alliance, and the relevance of its process and programs are preserved."

After Commission approval, state aligned programs will administer the basic CALEA program, including assessments and compliance monitoring, in conjunction with their state program. CALEA will administer the second tier of the program for state accredited agencies that want to also achieve CALEA accreditation. CALEA and the aligned state programs will work together to merge future on-site assessments for such agencies.

Commission Chairman William Miller, who closely followed the task force work, highly endorsed the concept stating, "This relationship furthers law enforcement by consolidating efforts to professionalize. The result is that everyone benefits. The states can demonstrate their professionalism, smaller agencies have a device by which to improve and be recognized, and duplication and confusion is reduced."

CALEA is now at the implementation stage. CALEA is developing the contract(s), the inspection and review process, any necessary forms, and training. A progress report will be made at the March Commission meeting. It is anticipated that necessary program specifics will be presented to Commissioners in July with the review of several state programs in the early fall.