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ACCREDITATION WORKS Case Number 49
The framework of existing NVCJTA directives began with the certification process, and the formulation of the accreditation standards expanded those directives to cover all facets of the academy. These accreditation standards have had a significant impact on the training provided. The following are examples of the impact of CALEA Training Academy Accreditation Standards:
As a result of CALEA standard 2.2.2, the academy, for the first time, has a risk management program with a documented reporting system that identifies incidents that may cause liability. This produced an improvement in the academy’s internal security and alarm system, which created a more secure environment.
Prior to meeting CALEA standard 2.2.12, we had no policy concerning making press releases, which were by habit made by the Executive Director. Now we have a policy that focuses on which other personnel can also provide press releases. This change was important to the NVCJTA, when this past year, the Executive Director was deployed by the military for a year and other personnel we able to handle this function in his absence.
In 2003, the NVCJTA completed an Employee Death/Critical Injury/Serious Illness Manual in order to comply with CALEA standard 4.2.6. Now staff has in-depth policies and procedures providing them with information on employee benefits and help for the employee and their family in cases of death or injury.
With the requirements in standard 4.4.1 for more in-depth performance evaluation, for the first time employees complete a self-evaluation form, as well as an upward feedback form, where they evaluate their supervisors’ performance. Both have been innovative ways to enhance the performance evaluation system.
Prior to CALEA Accreditation, the academy, governed by an executive board, allowed the board chairperson to select the three-member grievance panel. With the introduction of CALEA standard 4.5.1, the procedures changed. The new policy allows the Executive Director to select one member, the grievant chooses one member, and the two selected panel members choose the third member of the panel. This change conveys a process more fairly oriented to the grievant.
High-risk training has always produced the potential for liability issues. NVCJTA conducts vital firearms, defensive tactics, driver, and physical fitness training for the Basic Recruit School, and SWAT, Bicycle, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Driving Instructor Training for the In-Service School. CALEA standard 8.4.4 requires the academy to provide adequate and specialty trained personnel, adequate safety equipment, and a safe environment. Specialized instructor training and specific policies and procedures for high-risk training has been essential to ensure that this standard is met, and the academy’s risk exposure is limited.
The NVCJTA had always had a library, however, it was not until we adopted CALEA standard 8.4.5, that a resource center was established. Now there is a resource center for staff and another for students, which make available numerous textbooks, videos, CD’s, and periodicals to borrow.
Standard 9.1.6 requires the academy to have a policy covering physical fitness activities in adverse weather conditions. Coming into compliance with this standard resulted in the academy adopting the practice of instructors carrying handheld lightening detectors when running in local neighborhoods. This new technology has the ability to warn of rapidly approaching thunderstorms that are commonplace during summer training sessions.
Even though we have been certified since 1995, staff did not realize the true value of CALEA Accreditation until our accreditation on-site review, when the panel review process captured the true talents of the managers and supervisors on staff. As a result, all are committed to making accreditation work for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy.
Albert Oglesby, Jr., Training Accreditation Manager Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy
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