What Is 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:

• 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).

The purpose of CALEA's Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.

The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.

History of CALEA in Joplin

The Joplin Police Department achieved initial accreditation under Police Chief Lane Roberts in July 2008.  Vanessa West serves as the CALEA coordinator. She is responsible for maintaining all accreditation files for the department.