FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield Police Department Maintains International Accreditation by CALEA
The Springfield Police Department was awarded international accreditation on November 16, 2019, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors. Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams, Major Greg Higdon, Captain Tad Peters and Accreditation Manager Brandy Osborn attended the CALEA conference in Covington, KY. Each agency being reviewed goes before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners where the commission reviews all findings and determines the agencies’ accreditation status.
SPD was also recognized with the Meritorious Award for having been accredited by CALEA for 15 or more continuous years. SPD achieved its initial accreditation in 1997 and is required to apply for re-accreditation and submit to a similar review every four years in order to maintain accredited status.
The purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
This marks the eighth successful accreditation review for SPD by CALEA. SPD is committed to this voluntary accreditation process and to CALEA, the only national organization available that provides such certification and oversight into the standards, policies, procedures, and operations of police agencies.
Pictured L-R: CALEA Chairperson & President Anthony Purcell, Springfield Police Captain Tad Peters, Springfield Police Major Greg Higdon, Springfield Police Accreditation Manager Brandy Osborn, Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams and CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley.
####
Media Contact: Jasmine Bailey, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by Chief Paul Williams