CALEA® Electronic Publications and PowerDMS™ FAQs

Where do I get the CALEA electronic publications? I can’t find them on the CALEA website.

You will not find access to the CALEA electronic publications on the CALEA website.

However, if you are not a CALEA client, you may subscribe by visiting the CALEA website at www.calea.org and clicking on the “My CALEA Store” link, then the banner for CALEA publications. That URL is: http://www.calea.org/content/calea-electronic-standards-and-process-manuals Non-clients seeking access should follow the subscription instructions.

Those agencies that enroll in CALEA Accreditation will receive instructions from PowerDMS™ on gaining access to the CALEA electronic publications after returning all required enrollment forms. This will occur within days of CALEA Accreditation enrollment.

Current CALEA clients should contact CALEA for direction.

What is the difference between CACE and PowerDMS™?

CACE is the CALEA-supplied software that supports a paper-based files/folders management system for the CALEA Accreditation process. The software (CACE-L, CACE-C, CACE-T, and CACE-S) is purchased from CALEA and an update service fee is paid every two years.

PowerDMS™ is a SaaS document management solution. Upon enrollment, an agency becomes eligible for PowerDMS™ Standards Lite to view CALEA Standards electronically. Agencies can subscribe to PowerDMS™ Standards to manage the CALEA Accreditation process in conjunction with CALEA electronic publications. This option creates and supports an entirely paperless process and makes managing accreditation easier and more efficient.

Here is a description of the subscription services available:

PowerDMS™ Standards Lite- This is provided as a part of client services for agencies enrolled in CALEA Accreditation. Other agencies that want the ability to view CALEA Standards electronically can access them through PowerDMS™ Standards Lite with an annual subscription.

PowerDMS™ Standards- Agencies can elect to upgrade to the full version, enabling assessment capability so agencies can digitally map proofs of compliance against CALEA Standards and set up tasks related to those standards.

PowerDMS™ Policy- Agencies can subscribe to this service to electronically manage policies, procedures and other crucial documents.

Want more information? Please call 1-800-749-5104 and select the option for Sales or email us at sales@powerdms.com.

If I still use CACE, why do I need the Electronic Standards Manual in PowerDMS™?

CALEA maintains its electronic publications, including all standards manuals and the CALEA Process and Programs Guide, exclusively through the PowerDMS™. Updates to the manuals are published within days of amendments approved by the Commission. This provides clients with the fastest access to revisions and provides a tool for visually comparing the newest release to previously-published editions. For accreditation managers, this is invaluable and can impact the ability to comply with standards on a continuing basis.

Amendments to standards are also made within the CACE application. However, there are no tools to compare manual versions and these revisions are published much later than through PowerDMS™. The process for making these changes in CACE is much more labor intensive. This delay can reduce the amount of time agencies have to be in compliance, as standards are usually effective one year from the date of Commission action.

I purchased PowerDMS™ Standards. How do I get the CALEA Electronic Standards Manual loaded into it?

Once you have been provided a URL for access to PowerDMS™, and you have a user name and password, simply log-in. From the home screen, click the gears symbol in the top right of the screen. From this window, select “Standards Manual Communities” on the left banner and you will see a list of communities, find the one you want and then click the “Request Membership” button.

CALEA will receive your request and provide access if approved within 1 to 2 business days, but usually sooner.

Is there any training on how to navigate the Electronic Standards Manual in PowerDMS™?

When you receive access to a PowerDMS™ site that has been set up for your agency you can receive training in one of two ways:

Help Section- After logging into your PowerDMS™ site, click on the ? icon in the upper left corner to access the training guide and videos.

Webinar Training- Here is a link to ongoing, free training that is offered by PowerDMS™. Find the session you want to attend and register. You will want to attend the Standards training, but you can find other training webinars that may also be helpful to you here: PowerDMS Webinar Schedule.

Once I receive access to CALEA electronic publications through PowerDMS™, do I need to use CACE any longer?

This issue is critical to understand. PowerDMS™ serves as the platform through which ALL CALEA electronic publications are provided. This includes all standards manuals for all programs, as well as the CALEA Process and Programs Guide. This basic access for the purpose of viewing the CALEA electronic publications does not serve as an accreditation management system. Therefore, agencies must choose between PowerDMS and CACE for an accreditation management system.

Members can use PowerDMS™ or CALEA CACE as their accreditation management software. No other vendor can provide this service due to copyright controls.

CALEA members can contact PowerDMS™ representatives at 800.749.5104 and select the sales option or email sales@powerdms.com to address logistics and pricing.

Members who prefer the less robust CACE software as an accreditation management platform may contact CALEA at 703.352.4225 for further information and staff support.

If I switch to PowerDMS™ Standards, do I need to maintain files?

PowerDMS™ Standards serves as an accreditation management tool. Although you will no longer be required to maintain hard-copy files, your files will be constructed and maintained within PowerDMS™ electronically.

If I switch to PowerDMS™ Standards, do I need to keep my old ISSRs or create new ones?

If you use PowerDMS™ Standards as your accreditation management tool, the ISSR is no longer required. The system serves to address all of the data previously documented on the ISSR, and the use of an ISSR would create unnecessary, duplicate work. You can organize your written directives, written documentation, interviews and observable standards all within PowerDMS™.

Do I have to pay an annual subscription fee for the CALEA electronic publications?

Every active CALEA member is invoiced for the annual subscription to the CALEA electronic publications. During the first few years of this transition, CALEA members may receive a separate $150 invoice, but eventually this will become a part of the general accreditation fees paid on an annual basis.

Do I have to pay the annual CACE maintenance fee?

CACE is no longer a required product to participate in CALEA Accreditation. Only those agencies that elect to use the product will be invoiced for the CACE maintenance fee. CACE invoices are sent to applicable members every two years for support services.

It is important to note that only CALEA CACE and PowerDMS™ are authorized distributors of CALEA Publications. Members will be required to meet all accreditation process requirements, which are addressed through CACE and PowerDMS™.

Who do I call for IT support for PowerDMS™?

You can receive support by emailing PowerDMS at support@powerdms.com or by calling 800.749.5104, option 2. Hours of operation for PowerDMS™ support are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Who do I call for questions about CACE IT Support?

CALEA‘s Information Technology Coordinator, Linda Phillips, is the IT support person for CACE. She can be reached at l phillips@calea.org or by calling 703-352-4225, extension 27.

Who do I call for questions about the CALEA® electronic publications, including standards manuals access?

Call CALEA at 703.352.4225 and you will be routed to the appropriate resource for your service region.

Why can’t I print the entire manual from PowerDMS™?

PowerDMS™ does not support printing of the entire manual, but users may print individual standards In PowerDMS™ Standards Lite or PowerDMS™ Standards.

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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