The overall purpose of the accreditation program is to improve delivery of law enforcement service through compliance with 443 standards, developed by law enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law enforcement topics. Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. CALEA is a private, non-profit organization whose authority is derived solely from the voluntary participation of law enforcement agencies in the accreditation program. CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement membership organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and National Sheriff’s Association (NSA). In July 2002, after a lengthy process, the Anne Arundel County Police Department successfully attained its second re-accreditation. |
