For Release 06/28/07

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) left Canton this week recommending full accreditation for the police department.  CALEA accreditation is considered to be a highly prized recognition of law enforcement excellence.

The team was comprised of three law enforcement professionals, with the team leader being a retired Deputy Police Chief for the City of Dallas, Texas.  The assessment team conducted a comprehensive review of the department’s policies and proofs submitted to demonstrate compliance with 446 CALEA standards required for accreditation.  In addition, the team interviewed members of the department’s special units, spoke extensively with various department personnel, held a public hearing and provided a call-in phone line for citizen input.  Police department facilities, equipment and service levels provided to the community were also evaluated.

Upon completion of their assessment, a comprehensive debriefing was held with members of the police command staff, township officials, and team assessors.  CALEA Assessment Team Leader Marlin Price described Canton as having an “exceptional police department” citing the quality of its facilities and equipment, as well as its high caliber of personnel.

Director of Public Safety John Santomauro states, “The department looked at CALEA as a way of evaluating our organization against the most progressive law enforcement agencies in the country.”   Director Santomauro and the department’s CALEA Program Manager, Deputy Chief Alex Wilson will appear before a three-person CALEA panel in November for final approval of CALEA accreditation.

Santomauro adds, “I am pleased not only for receiving the recommendation of the assessment team, but also proud of every member of the organization as their high morale and positive attitudes were well-reflected in the accreditation team’s recommendation.”

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