Residents Can Weigh in on CHP Accreditation

The California Highway Patrol is undergoing re-accreditation assessment and residents can give their opinions to evaluators.

Following is a statement about the accreditation process issued by the Moorpark Area CHP office:

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is seeking to renew its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), three years after becoming the largest accredited law enforcement agency in the nation.

“The California Highway Patrol’s participation in the accreditation process represents its strong commitment to accountability and professionalism in public service,” said California State Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly.

“As the nation’s largest state police agency we are proud to seek this accreditation as we continue promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within this department,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.  “This accreditation process is another excellent opportunity for the public to provide information about our operations as we continue striving to improve our organization.”

Participation in the CALEA accreditation program is a voluntary process, yet a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence. To maintain accreditation, agencies are required to undergo a thorough assessment process every three years. Verification by an assessment team from other states will ensure the CHP meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

As part of its bid for reaccreditation, the CHP is scheduled for an on-site assessment the week of August 12, 2013. During this time, a team of assessors from throughout the country will travel to California to examine CHP policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. In addition to seeking reaccreditation for the entire agency, the CHP will also be seeking initial accreditation for its Academy in West Sacramento.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency personnel and members of the public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team via telephone. A public call-in period will take place on August 13, 2013 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Members of the public wishing to comment may call (916) 843-3186, during this time period.

Comments should be limited to the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards.  A copy of the standards will be made available at the CHP Headquarters, 601 North 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. Persons wishing to offer written comments about the CHP’s ability to meet the accreditation standards may write to CALEA, at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainsville, VA 20155.

Once the CALEA assessors complete their review, they will report to the full Commission, which will then determine if the CHP is to be granted reaccreditation and if the Academy will be granted initial accreditation.  Accreditation is for three years, during which time the CHP must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

CALEA was established in 1979 as a law enforcement credentialing authority through the joint efforts of the 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).  CALEA’s Accreditation program improves the delivery of public safety services, and recognizes professional excellence.

For additional information regarding CALEA, please call (800) 368-3757, or e mail calea@calea.org.