In 1979, representatives from 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) joined and created the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), a nonprofit corporation. CALEA is a credentialing program designed to enhance law enforcement as a profession by developing standards that may already exist or must be met by participating agencies seeking accreditation. The standards apply to all aspects of a law enforcement agency pertaining to policies, procedures and practices.
The Metropolitan Police Department, that has a long and proud history of service to the people and constantly striving for even greater excellence as a law enforcement agency, entered into the CALEA process for accreditation. Part of the accreditation process is to have representatives from CALEA do an on-site assessment of the department’s compliance with CALEA standards and seek comments from the public.
On Monday, April 2, 2007, the public is invited to telephone in their comments about the department’s policies, procedures, administration, operations and services. Those wishing to call-in their comments may do so from 12:30 pm to 4 pm by calling (202) 391-7191, 391-7192, 391-7193 or 391-7169. Members of the public may also attend a comment session that will be held at 7 pm on Monday, April 2, 2007, in the former City Council Chamber located at 441 4th Street, NW. Comments must focus on the Metropolitan Police Department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards and will be limited to 10 minutes. Those wishing to submit written comments may write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-2215. Citizens may review the CALEA Standards Manuel beginning today until April 2, 2007, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm in room 4136 at 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, or at any of the department’s seven police districts.
For more information call the department’s Risk Management and Accreditation Unit at (202) 727-4114.