Accreditation > CALEA

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), was established as an independent accrediting authority in 1979 by the four major law enforcement membership associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

The purpose of the Commission's accreditation program is to improve delivery of law enforcement services by offering a body of standards, developed and approved by law enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law enforcement topics. It recognizes professional achievements by offering an orderly process for addressing and complying with applicable standards.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) was accredited initially In July 1989, becoming the 112th accredited agency in the nation and the first in Nevada. Agencies are reviewed every three years for compliance to the standards. LVMPD was re-accredited in July 2005.

The accreditation concept emphasizes a voluntary, self-motivated approach for organizations to achieve, objectively verify, and maintain high quality operation through evaluations of established standards by an independent, non-governmental body. Successful accreditation requires continual evaluation of the Department's directives and to demonstrate proof that compliance to the established standards is being maintained. The process assures that professionalism and integrity are constantly evaluated and continuously improved. New standards are developed by CALEA that meet the needs in communities served by Law Enforcement. Recent examples are bias based policing, homeland security, missing children (Amber Alert) and working with the mentally ill. LVMPD is dedicated to maintaining compliance to all applicable standards.

Besides the recognition of obtaining international excellence, the primary benefits of accreditation include controlled liability insurance costs, administrative improvements, greater accountability from supervisors, increased governmental and community support.

For more information contact:
Richard Clinefelter
Accreditation Manager
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
(702) 828-5500
r6860c@lvmpd.com

Visit www.calea.org for more information.