The Albany Police Department was awarded national accreditation on November 16, 2019 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEAÒ) in the Advanced Law Enforcement program. The Albany Police Department is currently the third law enforcement agency in Oregon to achieve national accreditation.

Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Chief Mario Lattanzio, Captain Brad Liles and Accreditation Manager Merab Smith attended the CALEA conference in Covington, Kentucky.  Each agency being reviewed, goes before the CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners where the commission reviews all findings and determines the agencies’ accreditation status.

Following the hearing and review proving compliance of 356 standards, Executive Director Craig Hartley, Jr. and Commission Chair Anthony Purcell awarded Albany Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to community.  This is Albany Police Department’s first award of national accreditation. 

About CALEA

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: 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).

The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.

Specifically, CALEA’s goals are to: 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 Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.

The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery - regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.

This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best practices and approved by an all-volunteer board of commissioners.  Accreditation is for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with these standards under which it was initially accredited.

Benefits of CALEA

Increased Community Advocacy - Accreditation 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.

Greater Accountability within the Agency - CALEA standards give the CEO a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.

Stronger Defense Against Civil Lawsuits - 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.

Staunch Support from Government Officials - 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.

Reduced Risk and Liability Exposure - Many agencies report a reduction in their liability insurance costs and/or reimbursement of accreditation fees.

For further information, please contact:

CALEA Contact:

Travis Parrish

703-352-4225 x39

tparrish@calea.org

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Albany Police Department Contact:

Merab Smith

Accreditation Manager
541-791-0229

Merab.smith@cityofalbany.net