The St. Charles Police Department once again has been awarded National Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA maintains professional standards for public safety to improve the delivery of services by participating law enforcement agencies. The St. Charles Police Department first achieved its accredited status in 1989, when it became one of the first agencies in the State of Illinois to become Nationally Accredited.
“I would like to thank everyone in the St. Charles Police Department for their hard work in completing yet another successful CALEA accreditation,” said Police Chief James Keegan. “I am proud that the professionalism and excellence of our Department has once again been recognized and awarded by independent third-party reviewers in the field of professional law enforcement accreditation.”
The Accreditation Process
The Accreditation process includes:
- Completing a self-assessment to confirm the Department’s policies and procedures are in compliance with 482 recognized public safety standards
- Hosting an onsite assessment by Commission officials
- Receiving public comments about the Department
Onsite Assessment
On April 12-14, 2021, two independent Commission assessors interviewed Police Department personnel, City officials, community leaders, and heard comments from the public. This year, the interviews were conducted remotely due to health and safety recommendations.
Accreditation Decision
A decision by the Commission to grant accreditation is rendered by a governing body of 21 Commissioners, following a public hearing and a review of all supporting documentation. Accreditation is for a period of four years, during which the Police Department must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with the 482 standards.
About CALEA
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. The CALEA Accreditation program seals are reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA Standards and have been awarded CALEA Accreditation by the Commission.
