Over the past two weeks, the Knoxville Police Department received re-accreditation awards from both the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), given in recognition of the department’s efforts to adhere to the best public safety practices.
The KPD was awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation through CALEA for the 10th time during the CALEA Conference in Montgomery, Alabama in late March. In order to be accredited through CALEA, law enforcement agencies are required to review their policies, practices and procedures to ensure those meet the nationally-recognized best practices established within the CALEA standards.
In addition to the department-wide accreditation status, KPD’s Training Academy received Training Academy Accreditation through CALEA for the seventh time. Like the department accreditation, the training academy accreditation process requires a comprehensive review of training practices, policies and procedures. KPD’s Training Academy was first accredited through CALEA in 2004, when it became the first academy overseen by a municipal law enforcement agency to receive CALEA Accreditation.
Both department and training academy re-accreditation require on-site assessments conducted every four years by independent assessors. The decision to accredit is made by a governing body of 21 Commissioners following a review of all of the reporting documents.
The KPD has maintained accredited status through CALEA for 30 consecutive years, since first receiving accredited status in 1994. The department currently maintains compliance with 462 CALEA standards, while the Training Academy maintains compliance with 160 CALEA standards.
In addition to CALEA accreditation, the KPD maintained accredited status through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation, receiving that recognition during the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police meeting held in Franklin, Tennessee last week. This was the fifth TLEA award for the KPD, which was first awarded TLEA’s accredited status in March 2011.
To achieve accreditation with TLEA, an agency voluntarily submits to a three-year process of enhancing the agency’s professionalism and effectiveness by adhering to TLEA-established law enforcement standards and participating in a thorough on-site assessment.
About CALEA Accreditation
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. The CALEA Accreditation program seals are reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA Standards and have been awarded CALEA Accreditation by the Commission. Visit the CALEA webpage to learn more.
About Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation
The TLEA program was created under the direction and authority of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police which supports and endorses the continued improvement of law enforcement and emergency communications operations. This program provides a framework for Tennessee law enforcement agencies to have equal access to effective and comprehensive polices that enhance the professionalism of law enforcement and the safety of our communities.
The TLEA Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement and acknowledges the successful implementation of written directives, policies, and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. It takes commitment, dedication, and hard work from the agency head, agency personnel, and community leaders to meet the standards prescribed by the program.