WHAT IS CALEA?
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) was established as an independent accrediting authority in 1979 by the following four major law enforcement membership associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff's Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum.
The overall purpose of the Commission's accreditation program is to improve delivery of law enforcement service by offering a body of standards developed by law enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law enforcement topics. It recognizes professional achievements by offering an orderly process for addressing and complying with applicable standards.
CALEA AND OUR SERVICE
In February 2001, the Brantford Police Service signed an agreement with CALEA indicating its voluntary commitment to meeting the highest standards available for law enforcement agencies. At that time, there were 444 standards for a law enforcement agency to address to achieve accreditation. Chief Bob Peeling (Ret.) was the driving force in introducing CALEA to our community. Chief Jeff Kellner (Ret.), an Inspector at the time, was tasked with ensuring that our Service was successful in our accreditation process.
A team of CALEA assessors performed an on-site inspection of our Service in December 2003. During the accreditation inspection, CALEA assessors reviewed all 444 standards, interviewed members of the Service, and spoke with citizens. A public phone-in session and a town hall meeting provided the community an opportunity to hear more about the accreditation process and to present their opinions on the accreditation of the Brantford Police Service.
The final step of accreditation occurred at the March 2004 CALEA Conference where, during the Commission hearing, the on-site assessment report was reviewed, and Service representatives were interviewed by a panel of CALEA commissioners. In April 2004, our Service was awarded accreditation and received our CALEA Accreditation Certificate.
The Brantford Police Service has maintained it’s CALEA accreditation since 2004. Proof of compliance with CALEA standards is confirmed via an annual remote assessment. The four-year assessment cycle culminates with an on site assessment in the final year.
The Brantford Police Service continues in its commitment to policing our community using internationally recognized best practices that our partnership with CALEA ensures.
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