C.A.L.E.A.

C.A.L.E.A. is an acronym for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. 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 Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office successfully completed the inspection process and was recommended for accreditation by the C.A.L.E.A. inspectors in March 2005. C.A.L.E.A. Accreditation is an ongoing process that requires re-inspection by C.A.L.E.A. Assessors every three years. During those years audits and inspections are continually handled to ensure the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is maintaining their prestigious status of being accredited. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received its re-accreditation in March 2011. JCSO will be seeking re-accreditation in December 2013.

For more information on C.A.L.E.A. go to their website at www.calea.org