CALEA® Website Information Privacy Policy

CALEA® operates as a not-for-profit organization that serves public safety agencies by delivering professional public safety accreditation and management services. As such, it is necessary to provide and maintain a contemporary corporate website to provide information to the general public, as well as current and prospective clients regarding services and related information. CALEA’s primary website address is www.calea.org; however, additional links associated with this site are utilized to optimize services. Specifically, conference registration and merchandise sales redirect browsers for the purpose of financial transactions and registration. Furthermore, in some cases CALEA will provide links to other corporate websites for the purpose of providing access or information to goods or services. Although CALEA® will take all reasonable actions to protect client information and will not auto-populate these sites with information collected within its corporate website, it cannot confirm these sites’ security. And, these organizations are responsible for maintaining separate website policies that users should consult.

CALEA® does utilize a commercial platform for website management that has been customized for corporate branding and message delivery. To this end, commercially developed and endorsed updates are regularly applied to the site to ensure the most contemporary security and application tools are in place. This promotes sound browser services and works to prevent breaches based on emerging trends or occurrences discovered within the internet environment.

When engaged with the CALEA website, users may be requested to provide electronic mail addresses and other points of identification. There are no requirements to provide any information as requested within the website; however, some pages can only be viewed by providing requisite registration data that includes client identification numbers issued by CALEA. The purpose of collecting user descriptors and assigning levels of access is to improve client services, while limiting access to only those engaged in contractual agreements with CALEA. Additionally, this stratification of users allows CALEA to maximize its resources to serve customer needs. CALEA only collects volunteered information and does not incorporate the use of “cookies” for the purpose of data collection. The CALEA website does utilize “cookies” for controlling the logins and access to restricted site components.

As it relates to the storage of user information, CALEA takes reasonable precautions to protect the website and submitted information. Access to information collected by or submitted to CALEA.org is restricted to employees of CALEA or approved contractor and accessible only for the purpose of performing official duties. Common practices and technical controls are utilized to protect this information, as well as the entire Calea.org site. These practices and controls include, but are not limited to encrypting the transfer of personal information via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), using high-strength firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to safeguard personal information and maintaining strict technical controls and procedures to ensure the integrity of all data.

CALEA will never provide information collected through website applications to third parties without the expressed written consent of the user. And, CALEA does not redistribute or sale user information for any purpose. Exceptions to this corporate policy exist only for the purpose of delivering goods or services of CALEA to the customer. To this end, CALEA does engage in affinity agreements with vendors for the purpose of professional services related to the company’s primary mission of accreditation programming. Information provided by clients when enrolling in accreditation programming is provided to these Commission endorsed vendors, to ensure the appropriate resources are provided to program participants. This includes accreditation management system vendors and training vendors. These are limited to only those vendors endorsed by the Commission for the stated purpose.

It should be noted that as a result of the open architecture associated with the internet, personal identifiers transmitted may be intercepted before they are received by CALEA®. Although this may not prevent all breaches of transmissions, users should utilized secure usernames provided by CALEA® and ensure passwords conform to requirements, and they are maintained securely by the user. Usernames should not be shared or redistributed. Users should periodically change passwords for the purpose of confidentiality and information security.

User information may be used for the purposed of determining marketing trends or other indicators to promote the effective delivery of accreditation services or improve the awareness of CALEA® programming. However, specific user identification will be protected in the event it is used for this purposed. Additionally, CALEA® utilizes a professional website consulting firm for the technical management of its website services. Employees and subcontractors of this firm are obligated to maintain the confidentially of any information accessible through their access to the CALEA® corporate website. Additionally, in the event CALEA® is required by law to release information collect through its website, it will comply with legal requirements. This includes the release of any information collected, including personal information.

CALEA® utilizes the email addresses collected for the purpose of notifying registrants about events, activities, and other program related information that supports CALEA® Accreditation. Information may be delivered in individual electronic messages or through other broad-based mediums. Requests to be removed from distribution lists are processed and approved by CALEA. Opportunities to be removed from these distributions will be included in the respective delivery, or direct contact with CALEA for this purpose is accessible at calea@calea.org.

CALEA may also be contacted at the following business address if additional questions or concerns exist concerning this website privacy policy:

CALEA
13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320
Gainesville, Virginia 20155-6660
703.352.4225

In the event email addresses are removed from electronic message distributions, the recipient may still be contacted as a result of program enrollment with CALEA.

Policy implementation date: July 12, 2012
Policy Revision History: None Noted

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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