Did You Know...?

When CALEA comes across information, a report, fact or statistical insight that may be of interest to our clients, we like to share it:

February 2013

Washington State Patrol - How One Agency Is Using Speed Enforcement to Catch Impaired Drivers

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) recently released a case study highlighting what the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is doing to address the relationship between speed and alcohol. Between 2006 and 2010, 91 percent of all traffic fatalities in Washington State were caused by speed and alcohol. While most of the WSP’s speed enforcement takes place during the day. The WSP says, “The speed that’s most likely to cause a death is speed that's mixed with alcohol at night.” According the NHTSA, “the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010 was four times higher at night than during the day (37 percent versus 9 percent). Read more.

January 2013

The Council of State Governments Justice Center recently released a report that highlights statewide initiatives for supporting local-level specialized policing responses (SPRs) for people with mental illnesses. SPRs are designed to help individuals in crisis connect to community-based treatment and supports, when appropriate, instead of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. The online publication, Statewide Law Enforcement/Mental Health Efforts: Strategies to Support and Sustain Local Initiatives, is the product of a project supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. See here.

The IACP published two items in 2010 on law enforcement and combat veterans that have gotten good reviews: Combat Veteran's and Law Enforcement and Law Enforcement Leaders Guide on Combat Veterans. These items are available online. See here.

October 2012

The IACP study, Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Use by Law Enforcement: Policy and Operational Guide, is available on the CALEA website. See here.

June 2012

Johns Hopkins University Launches New On-Line Master of Science in Management
for Public Safety Professionals

Since 1993, more than 70 chiefs of police nationwide have graduated from the nationally recognized Master of Science in Management program offered by the Johns Hopkins University's Division of Public Safety Leadership (PSL). Until now, the program was only offered in face-to-face classes in Baltimore, Maryland. But starting in January, 2013, public safety officials nationwide will be able to take advantage of the program in a high-quality, interactive online format, which can be completed in less than two years.

For years, local, state, and federal law enforcement officials had urged PSL to offer its MS program online but the Division was hesitant because it didn't know if the quality of its face-to-face program could transfer to an online program. With the help of Johns Hopkins experts in educational theory and technology, Hopkins took the time needed to design an online program that meets the needs of busy professionals while providing the same world class education consistent with Johns Hopkins University and our MS face-to-face program.

The approach to online learning is based on effective practices, drawn from research conducted at Johns Hopkins and on existing best practices regarding distance learning. It is designed to employ the best methods of learning theories including adult learning and experiential learning, and the best mix of academic theory and practical application.

During the design process, PSL's leadership decided that parts of the face-to-face program could not be put online and were too important to forego. As a result, Hopkins decided to include two residencies or retreats as part of the online program. The two one-week residencies required in the online program include trips to Gettysburg, Fort McHenry, the Holocaust Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery, where students focus on real-life leadership lessons learned, uses of personal power, responsibility, and the impact of successful and failed leadership.

Like the face-to-face program, the online program will also use a cohort model. Students remain with the same group of professionals throughout the program and learn together while sharing their collective wealth of real world experiences. Courses focus on organizational development, research, human resource management, ethics, and strategic planning. In addition, the cohort model helps students develop educational and professional networks during the program and beyond.

Effective communication and student support is essential to the success of the online program. Johns Hopkins online program recognizes students as adult learners, with adult responsibilities. It is highly interactive, engaging, rigorous, manageable and employs the best methods of adult learning, experiential learning, academic theory and practical application. Students have a map of the program, and a map of each course to assist them with time management and guide them through the learning process. Reading, assignments, exercises, and project due dates are clearly apparent and students use course maps to manage their workload effectively. Faculty members and staff are also available for guidance and assistance, and personal coaches are assigned to each student for the program duration.

To learn more about PSL's new on-line Master of Science in Management program contact Kelly Williams, academic adviser, at kelly.williams@jhu.edu or (410) 516-9866.

To attend an online information session, register at www.psl.jhu.edu. Online Information Sessions: Wednesday, June 20th 7-8 p.m. or Wednesday, September 12th 7-8 p.m .

May 2012

Two New Reports Relating to Policing Are Available:

The Police Foundation has published a new study, The Shift Length Experiment: What We Know About 8-, 10-, and 12-Hour Shifts in Policing. The report is available online at www.policefoundation.org/shiftexperiment/ and in hardcopy.

This new report presents the results of the first known comprehensive randomized experiment of compressed workweek schedules in law enforcement. Supported by the National Institute of Justice, the Police Foundation study was designed to test the impacts of three shift lengths (8-, 10-, and 12-hour) on performance, health, safety, quality of life, sleep, fatigue, alertness, off-duty employment, and overtime among police. The study found some distinct advantages of 10-hour shifts and some disadvantages associated with 12-hour shifts that are concerning.

Also available in hardcopy from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a new report in their Critical Issues in Policing Series, "How Are Innovations in Technology Transforming Policing?" This is based on a PERF Survey to measure the extent to which agencies are using technologies like automated license plate readers, gunshot detection systems, social media, and various types of video cameras.

March 2012

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, July 2011 Bulletin, Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, 2008:

From 2004-2008, there was a net increase of 33,343 full-time sworn officers employed by state and local law enforcement agencies, reversing a pattern of declining growth observed from 2000-2004.
Total number of state and local law enforcement agencies: 17,985

Total number of local police agencies: 12,501
Total number of sheriff’s office: 3,063
Total number of primary state agencies: 50
Total number of special jurisdiction agencies: 1,733
Total number of constable/marshal agencies: 638

Of the five largest state law enforcement agencies, three are CALEA Law Enforcement Accredited: California Highway Patrol, Pennsylvania State Police, and New Jersey State Police.
Of the 30 largest public college/university law enforcement agencies, by number of full-time sworn personnel, 16 are CALEA Law Enforcement Accredited or in Self-Assessment.

Reference: NCJ 233982
For a list of all publications in this series, go to http://www.bjs.gov.

Client Testimonials

"The confidence in our department has increased tremendously throughout our community since becoming an accredited agency."

—Former Chief Harry Rilling, Norwalk (CT) Police Department

“The Accreditation Process provides the best and the most credible roadmap for any law enforcement agency in pursuit of professional excellence. It will be the benchmark for policing in the twenty-first century.” Lafourche Parish (LA) Sheriff’s Office has been CALEA Accredited since 2000.

—Sheriff Craig Webre, Lafourche Parish (LA) Sheriff’s Office, Past President - National Sheriffs’ Association

“CALEA Accreditation inspires public confidence in our agency, as well as assures that our department is up-to-date on police initiatives and administrative practices. Among the areas of particular importance addressed by CALEA, are the delivery of services to our citizens and the emphasis on inter-agency cooperation. CALEA provides a means of checks and balances that confirms the successful tactics we have in place.” Miami PD has been CALEA Accredited since 2003.

—Former Chief John Timoney Miami (FL) PD, Past President-Police Executive Research Forum

"The new two person on-site was fantastic. The interaction that occurred between the team and the community along with members of the agency made it easier for all to accept accreditation and to share what it meant to them. Accreditation makes it easier for the Sheriff's Office to provide better service to the citizens in our community."

—John C. Bittick, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth, Georgia

"Through improved policies and procedures, both the police department and the Communications Division were better able to serve the community and its members. There is a trust between the community and the members of the department because we are responsive to them and the needs of the community. Standards mean trust."

—Assistant Chief Michael Webb, Abington (PA) Police Department

"From start to finish, it's the change in process that is most obvious when working with CALEA. This change offers agencies the opportunity for improved transparency and delivery of services to the communities served. I would tell any chief that if he/she steps up to the table, the end result will be a better department for both members and citizens alike."

—Former Chief Tom Younce, North Carolina State University Police Department

“I have been with this department for more than 25 years. I have seen a vast transition and difference come about as a result of our CALEA accreditation.”

—Chief James Chavis, Kannapolis (NC) Police Department

“I would like to thank the Commission very much. Accreditation is a way of life for us. It has reduced our liability cost and made my risk managers very happy.”

—Sheriff Timothy Dunning, Douglas County (NE) Sheriff’s Office

"CALEA Accreditation gave our personnel a focus and direction with specific and measurable goals. Self assessment is invaluable and on many occasions we found more efficient ways to discharge our duties, providing contemporary and professional law enforcement services."

—Chief Mark Palmer, Coventry (CT) Police Department

"CALEA Accreditation has proven itself time and time again...and the respect and support generated within our community for our services have been positively impacted by the program, making us a truly professional agency."

—Sheriff Thomas Brown, Jr., Dekalb County (GA) Sheriff's Office

“Accreditation helps us make our law enforcement management systems work smoothly. It assists us with developing our employees and provides police officers with a superior foundation and enables them to provide outstanding services to the community. I am proud of the men and women of the Avon Police Department for providing that superior level of service to our community.”

—Chief Mark Rinaldo, Avon (CT) Police Department

“The key to CALEA Accreditation is peer review of our policies, procedures and practices. This promotes professional excellence as we strive to be our very best. The process results in a total team effort that contributes positively to any agency’s effectiveness and ability to solve problems and deliver services. We have bought into this process since the early 1990’s and remain committed. I look forward to many years as a CALEA Accredited agency.”

—Chief Kimberley Crannis, Blacksburg (VA) Police Department

"CALEA Accreditation has prompted the Corpus Christi (TX) Police Department to closely scrutinize the policies and procedures governing the way we do business. Many policies have been updated/altered/initiated because of the influence of CALEA. Working closely with the city Legal Department and the city Human Resources Department, we are confident that we can better withstand the scrutiny of lawsuits and grievances and at the same time offer our employees a fair and consistent work environment."

—Chief Troy Riggs, Corpus Christi (TX) Police Department

"The assessors did an excellent job of providing feedback to my agency on our performance. In today’s environment with an economic downturn this is not the time to think about giving up accreditation; it is even more important to retain accreditation as the CALEA process represents our roadway to professionalism."

—Sherrif Robert Peryam, Monroe County (FL) Sheriff's Office

"Although the CALEA process is institutionalized with my agency, we learn something about our agency each time we have a CALEA assessment. Our employees have an understanding of their duties that comes with adhering to standards over the years."

—Chief Wren Johnson, Morehead City (NC) Police Department

"I would not send my kids to a school or a hospital that was not accredited, and I think the citizens of Columbia County deserve the professional delivery of services by my office that is embodied by the CALEA standards."

—Sheriff Clay Whittle, Columbia County (GA) Sheriff's Office

"The CALEA Campus Security Accreditation Program provides an opportunity for college and university non-sworn agencies to become more professional and respected by their administration, students, faculty, staff and surrounding law enforcement departments."

—Chief Gary Lyle , Anne Arundel (MD) Community College

"Had it not been for CALEA we would not have been as organized or able to adapt and respond to the floods. CALEA was responsible for enabling the Munster Police Department to respond. I hope agencies realize that in difficult times CALEA can be the lifeline."

—Chief Stephen Scheckel, Munster (IN) Police Department

"First and foremost, the standards represent what are considered to be good business practices for training academies. It is not a one-time temporary process. It is the way the agency has been and will continue to do business. A highly prized recognition of professionalism and excellence."

—Commissioner John W. Bizzack, PhD., Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice

“With the CALEA-based blueprint in place, we now have a means to continually develop, review and adjust our efforts to meet the best practices and standards in the industry. We will continue to partner with CALEA and other accredited agencies to meet the dynamic changes of our profession and the needs of our growing community.”

—Chief Paul Willingham, University of Houston - Clear Lake (TX) Police Department

"Our department has been in the accreditation business for over twenty-six years. While it was very challenging in the beginning, it has now become a part of our daily lives. Today, 93% of our officers and employees began their career with a nationally accredited department. Meeting the standards is no longer a challenge but an invitation for new ways to improve existing processes. We consider it an honor to be a long standing member of the CALEA family."

—Chief Elaine P. Snow, Rome (GA) Police Department

"The City of Keller, Texas residents approved a 15 Year Crime Control and Prevention Sales Tax dedicated to the Keller Police Department and one of the expenditure requirements was to continue to fund the CALEA Accreditation program. The taxpayers noted the improvements in the overall management and performance in their police department since the department received the initial award in 2006."

—Chief Mark R. Hafner, Keller (TX) Police Department

"When our agency was at a strategic inflection point, we first used CALEA Recognition and then Accreditation as the tool to turn things around. Simply, we had to change, and that change had to be significant and done in a timely fashion. We used the CALEA Standards to guide us as we made changes in practice, procedures and policies."

—Chief Thomas E. Engells, Univ. of Texas Medical Branch Police Department

"Let me just briefly give you a broader municipal perspective of how we value and utilize our CALEA accredited status: CALEA Accreditation helps our risk management efforts and is an important part of our group insurance rating and, conversely, our costs. Being CALEA accredited also helps our bond rating. It is a rating we share with only 5% of cities in the United States. Moody’s loves CALEA Standards and so do our bond holders. Accreditation is an important part of our recruiting package for economic development; it makes a strong statement about our community and its values.

—Valerie Salmons, Village Administrator, Village of Bartlett, IL

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