November 20, 2007, Canton, MI – Last week Canton Police Department received full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).  Officials from Canton Police Department appeared before a four-person CALEA panel for the final phase of accreditation approval.  CALEA accreditation is considered to be a highly-prized recognition of law enforcement excellence.

In June, an assessment team from CALEA 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 stated, “CALEA accreditation is both highly regarded and broadly recognized by law enforcement agencies nationwide.  Some of the most progressive law enforcement agencies in the country were in attendance at the conference this past week.  Not all of those agencies seeking full accreditation met the rigorous standards required of them.  Our police department is now one of the few agencies in Michigan to receive this prestigious award.” 

CALEA has provided our agency numerous benefits from potential control of liability costs to a stronger defense against litigation.  But more importantly, it has provided the department an in-depth evaluation of our operations through an internationally recognized accreditation program.  It has also allowed us to benchmark our organization against some of the best law enforcement agencies in the country.  This accreditation will enhance the operations and the professional image of the department within the community and the law enforcement profession.  

Canton Supervisor Tom Yack stated, “I know that I speak for the entire Canton community in extending congratulations to the staff of the Canton Police Department on becoming accredited by the Commission for Law Enforcement Agencies.  Seeking and achieving CALEA accreditation is a tribute to the leadership of the Canton Police Department and the dedication and commitment of its sworn and civilian members.  CALEA accreditation underscores the department’s efforts in providing Canton residents with an effective and professional police agency.”

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