What is CALEA accreditation?
The New Bern Police Department is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The commission was formed for two reasons: 1) to develop a set of law enforcement standards, and 2) to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies could demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
The goal of accreditation is to help law enforcement agencies strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities; formalize essential management procedures; establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; improve service delivery; solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and boost citizens and staff confidence in the agency.
The accreditation process involves a comprehensive self-assessment by the department of the standards addressing major law enforcement areas. After undergoing self-assessment, the agency is examined and inspected by a team of independent law enforcement assessors. These CALEA assessors verify the department's compliance with standards by checking its proofs and interviewing operations and management personnel. Accreditation periods are four years in duration. During this time, the department must maintain compliance with the standards and must submit annual reports attesting to this fact. Re-accreditation occurs at the end of this period, pending another successful on-site assessment and hearing before the commission.
Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employees' safety; and processes to safeguard employees' rights. Employees of the New Bern Police Department take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.
For more information or questions about the New Bern Police Department's accreditation status, please email Sergeant Aaron Williams or call him at (252)672-4272.
Accreditation Public Comment Portal
The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.
CALEA Public Comment Portal