Law Enforcement Accreditation

The Gold Standard in Public Safety

The Coventry Police Department has received recognition of advanced accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). This is a voluntary process that demonstrates an agency's on-going compliance with a body of professional standards. CPD is one of only twenty-six municipal departments in the state to achieve this recognition. Less than 4 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide have achieved compliance with these standards. CALEA Accreditation provides for

• Greater accountability within the agency
  CALEA standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.
• Reduced risk and liability exposure
  Some agencies report a reduction in its liability insurance costs and/or reimbursement of accreditation fees.
• Stronger defense against civil lawsuits
  Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against civil lawsuits. Also, many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them, once they become accredited.
• Staunch support from government officials
  Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.
• Increased community advocacy
  Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.

View further information about CALEA accreditation.