The
Waynesboro Police Department is recognized through the
Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) and is presently undergoing
State of Tennessee Accreditation.
CALEA was formed in 1979
through the combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of
Police (IACP), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA) and the Police
National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research
Forum (PERF). The commission was formed for two reasons: To develop a set
of law enforcement standards, and 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 recognition process involves a comprehensive self-assessment by the
department of the 112 standards. These standards address (1) life, health
and safety issues, (2) critical legal issues, and (3) conditions that
reduce risk and high liability exposure.
After undergoing self-assessment, an on-site assessment is completed by a
team of trained independent assessors. These CALEA assessors verify the
department’s compliance with standards by checking its proofs and
interviewing operations and management personnel. A public hearing is also
held to elicit citizens’ comments. Recognition periods are three years in
duration and during this time the department must maintain compliance with
the standards and must submit annual reports attesting to this fact.
Re-Recognition occurs at the end of this period, pending another
successful on-site assessment and hearing before the commission.
The Waynesboro Police Department completed the initial recognition process
in July 2007, and was re-recognized successfully in July 2010.
Recognition 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 Waynesboro Police Department take pride in their police
service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement. |
