In November, 2007, Canton Police Department received full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).  CALEA is considered to be a highly-prized recognition of law enforcement excellence.

CALEA was founded in 1979 by several professional law enforcement organizations including:

• IACP - International Association of Chiefs of Police
• NOBLE - National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
• NSA - National Sheriffs' Association
• PERF - Police Executive Research Forum

The goals of CALEA were to:

• Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities
• Formalize essential management procedures
• Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices
• Improve service delivery
• Solidify inter-agency cooperation and coordination
• Boost citizen and staff confidence in the agencies

The process of receiving accreditation took approximately 3 years to complete.  Upon submission of the department’s initial application, a comprehensive self-assessment of the department’s policies and procedures was performed.  The department assembled files containing written polices and proofs to show compliance with each of the 446 standards required by CALEA. 

Upon completion of the self-assessment, a team of three law enforcement professionals from across the country conducted an on-site assessment of Canton’s policies and proofs.  In addition, the team interviewed members of the department, held a public hearing and evaluated the police department’s facilities, equipment and service levels provided to the community.

Upon completion of the assessment, the team leader described Canton as having an exceptional police department, citing the quality of its facilities and equipment as well as its high caliber of personnel.

For final accreditation approval, police officials appeared before the CALEA Commissioner and Board for final accreditation approval.  Some of the most prestigious law enforcement agencies in the country were in attendance.  Not all of those agencies seeking full accreditation met the rigorous standards required of them.  Canton is now one of the few agencies in Michigan to have received this prestigious award.

In addition to recognition for excellence, CALEA accreditation provides agencies with numerous benefits including:

• Controlled liability insurance costs
• Stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints
• Greater accountability with the agency
• Increased community advocacy

The accreditation process has also provided the department with an in-depth evaluation of their operations and provided greater accountability within the organization.

The police department will continue to maintain compliance with the 446 standards necessary for accreditation, and will apply for re-accreditation every three years as required by CALEA regulations.

Watch informative CALEA video  - Click on 24/7 box in lower right corner, and then select CALEA: Part 1 and 2.

For further information on CALEA accreditation visit www.calea.org.