CALEA Accreditation

On July 31, 2010, the Richmond Police Department was awarded full law enforcement accredited status by CALEA (the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc), the only nation-wide accrediting body in the United States and an international recognition. Accreditation is an elective process for any law enforcement agency – less than 10% of law enforcement agencies nationwide are accredited and even fewer are large, metropolitan agencies comparable to the RPD in size and scope. CALEA affords the agency the opportunity to take part in a stringent external review of all policies and procedures and encourages an enhancement in the cycle of information within the department. CALEA offers a greater level of accountability within the agency through standards that give the chief a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation. There is also a reduced risk and liability exposure since many agencies report a reduction in their liability insurance costs. CALEA accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against civil lawsuits. Also, many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them, once they become accredited. CALEA accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs. CALEA accreditation also embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.