The accreditation process is a time-consuming one, but the perks make it worth every effort.

The Columbia Police Department became accredited on March 20, 1999, through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). The Police Department was reaccredited on March 20, 2005. 

Accreditation involves reviewing 437 standards that are approved by the Commission. Once accredited, an agency is better able to provide its community with accurate budget justifications, reduce the possibility of vicarious liability suits and improve relationships with other criminal justice system representatives.  Through accreditation, law enforcement agencies at the state, county and local levels learn whether they meet professional criteria.

An accredited agency uses the most updated professional law enforcement practices and procedures that are internationally recognized. The Columbia Police Department began working on its accreditation in 1996.  For three years, the department reviewed and upgraded nearly every policy for compliance with the Commission's standards. The Columbia Police Department conducts frequent reviews to ensure compliance with CALEA 442 standards. It anticipates being reaccredited in March 2008.

About the Commission

CALEA was founded in 1979 to promote excellence, efficiency, and professionalism in law enforcement standards. The accreditation program is voluntary.

State, county, and local law enforcement executives, including police chiefs and sheriffs from departments of different sizes, represent the 21-member Commission. The Commission also includes representatives from state and local government, along with labor, academic and judicial officials.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), and The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) formed the Commission. Executive members of these groups supervise about 80 percent of the law enforcement officers in the United States.

Agencies applying for accreditation pay fees that allow the Commission to conduct its activities, The Commission, which became fully operational in 1983, encourages financial aid from foundations and corporations to help pay these expenses.

Assessment and Approval

Self-assessment:

The commission determines standards, which are sent to the agency. The agency begins the self-assessment process, using forms and instructions the Commission provides. The agency determines whether it complies with the standards, documents the proof and develops a plan to meet the standards if it does not comply.

On-site assessment:

Once the Agency believes it is compliant, it notifies the Commission. The Commission names an assessment team and allows the Agency to review it to void a conflict of interest. When the team is approved, it visits the agency to examine procedures, policies and proof of compliance to make a determination.

Commission review:

The team submits a report to the Commission, which reviews it, the proofs of compliance and selected documentation. It decides whether to grant or defer full accreditation.

Benefits of accreditation

Accreditation is a recognized commitment to professional excellence and a cost-effective operation. Through accreditation, agencies can:

·    Develop proactive management systems

·    Obtain impartial guidelines for agency review based upon nationally recognized law enforcement standards of performance.

·    Establish documented, carefully tested procedures

·    Reduce the likelihood of liability litigation; and

·    Secure community, state and local government support through establishing partnerships with its constituents.

Accreditation Manager

Martin F. Ring III

Police Policy Specialist

(803) 545-3385