Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies

Template:Template other The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) is a credentialing authority (accreditation), based in the United States, whose primary mission is to accredit public safety agencies, namely law enforcement agencies, training academies, communications centers, and campus public safety agencies.

Creation

The Commission was created in 1979 as an independent accrediting authority 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)
• Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

Purpose and authority of the Commission

The primary purpose of the Commission is to improve law enforcement service by creating a national body of standards developed by law enforcement professionals. Furthermore, it recognizes professional achievements by establishing and administering an accreditation process through which a law enforcement agency can demonstrate that it meets those standards. CALEA derives its general authority from the four major law enforcement membership associations whose members represent approximately 80% of the law enforcement profession in the United States.

Commissioners

Members to the Commission are appointed by the Executive Directors of these four associations. A majority vote is required for each appointment. Commissioners are appointed to a term of three years.

The Commission is composed of 21 members:

• 11 members are selected from law enforcement
• 10 members are selected from the public and private sectors.

See also

• Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission

External links

• - The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies