On August 4, 1999 the St. Joseph Police Department officially began the long process of becoming an accredited agency recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, (CALEA).  Naturally the first question that comes to mind is what benefits will the department realize as the result of becoming accredited?  The answer is that there are many but the most recognizable will be:

• Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase police liability insurance, allows the agency to increase the limits of their insurance coverage more easily, and in many cases results in lower premiums.
• Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints.  Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.
• Accreditation gives the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, clearly defined lines of authority, scheduled reports that support decision making and resource allocation.
• 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 to meet community needs.
• Accreditation embodies the precepts of community oriented policing.  It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control crime.  This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement agencies a clear direction about community expectations.
• Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence.  It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and procedures to ensure employee safety and safeguard employees’ rights.  The community and the police department can take pride in their department, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.

To obtain accredited status the department must conduct its business according to certain well defined and time tested standards.  These standards address every aspect of the department’s operations which, when adhered to will result in:

• Strengthened crime prevention and control capabilities.
• Formalize essential management procedures.
• Establish fair and non-discriminatory personnel practices.
• Improve the delivery of police services.
• Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination.
• Increase citizen confidence in the agency.

These standards aim to establish the best professional practices and prescribe, “what agencies should be doing”, but not how they should be doing it.  That decision is left to the individual agency and its Chief Executive Officer.

The accreditation endeavor will, without question, be a long and difficult task, but then nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.  The employees of the St. Joseph Police Department are dedicated to their profession and are willing to supply whatever effort is required to improve their ability to provide the best possible service to the citizens of the city.  Accreditation appears to be a step in that direction.