Buffalo Grove Police awarded eighth CALEA reaccreditation

The Buffalo Grove Police Department recently achieved its eighth reaccreditation (ninth overall award) for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

CALEA began in 1979, and encourages law enforcement agencies to adhere to strict best practices, guidelines and procedures. These include safety initiatives, crime prevention, the establishment of fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices, and consistent efforts toward building community confidence in local police departments.

Maintaining an accredited status is a significant accomplishment for the members of the department, but, most importantly, it denotes the quality of service the agency provides for the Buffalo Grove community.

During CALEA assessments, law enforcement agencies present "proofs of compliance," which demonstrate the approximate 500 standards that must be maintained. Examples of "proofs" include reports, tickets and even physical items located on-site at the department.

Police Chief Steve Casstevens, Deputy Chief Michael Szos, and Sergeant Vince Positano recently traveled to Mobile, Alabama, for the annual CALEA conference, where they attended a reaccreditation hearing.

During the hearing, the Commission asked questions about the police department's observance of CALEA standards, in addition to what the future plans are to maintain the exceptional standards CALEA requires.

Deputy Chief Szos, also the accreditation manager, said, "I am extremely proud of our agency and what we have achieved. Being accredited since 1987 shows our department's dedication to continued quality service and professionalism."

The Buffalo Grove Police Department reaccreditation will be valid through April of 2020.

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