Lombard Police Department seeking accreditation

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will be in Lombard beginning Monday, Aug. 14, to examine all aspects of the Lombard Police Department's policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The assessment is part of the village's ongoing CALEA certification program.

"The verification team will assess if the Lombard Police Department meets the commission's state-of-the-art standards," Chief Ray Byrne said. "This is part of a voluntary process to gain reaccreditation - a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence."

Both residents and village employees are invited to offer comments on the agency's services and performance at a public information session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the village board room, 255 E. Wilson Ave., as a part of the on-site assessment.

Residents who can't speak at the public information session but still would like to provide comments to the assessment team may call (630) 873-4464 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15. All public comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with the commission's standards.

Residents also may send written comments pertaining to the police department's ability to meet the standards for accreditation to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155.

CALEA-accredited departments must comply with 484 standards to gain accredited status. A copy of the standards is available at the Lombard Police Department Accreditation Office.

Lesley Rodono, Lombard's accreditation program manager, said the assessment team features law enforcement practitioners from similar out-of-state agencies. The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.

Once the CALEA assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full commission, which then will decide whether the agency is to be granted accredited status. Accreditation lasts for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.