Police dept. receives Meritorious Accreditation Status
LOMBARD, Illinois—The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Inc. confirmed the Lombard Police Department's sixth re-accredited status at a full commission meeting held in November during the national CALEA conference in Colorado.
In 1991, the Lombard Police Department was one of the first municipal law enforcement agencies in Illinois to become nationally accredited.
CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
The commission was formed for two reasons; to develop a set of law enforcement standards and to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies could demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
The Lombard Police Department opened its files and policies for inspection by a team of two assessors, chosen from police agencies across the country. The assessment team found the department to be in full compliance with 464 applicable standards.
The department then underwent an examination and public hearing by a committee of the commission of its policies and practices demanded of professional law enforcement agencies and received unanimous approval for reaccreditation by the 21 member panel of commissioners.
“Accreditation is more than just the mere pursuit of a certificate,” stated Lombard Police Chief, Raymond Byrne. “It represents the commitment of all Lombard Police Department employees to constantly improve the quality of service provided to the citizens of Lombard,” he added.
Approximately 20 percent of all law enforcement agencies in the United States are accredited.
By maintaining its accredited status, the Lombard Police Department continues to provide law enforcement service consistent with the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession.
“Employees of the Lombard Police Department take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement,” added Byrne.