Surprise police undergoing accreditation review process

The Surprise Police Department is progressing through the reaccreditation process with an on-site assessment from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencie this week.

Rick Myers, a retired police chief and CALEA Assessor, is conducting an on-site assessment of the Surprise Police Department through July 25.

During the on-site assessment, Chief Myers is visiingt different locations within the department to observe compliance with policies, review written materials, interview department members and speak with community members.

To achieve and maintain accreditation, CALEA requires agencies to comply with more than 400 standards in four areas: policies and procedures, administration, operations and support services.

Based on all the components of the on-site assessment, a written report will be submitted to the CALEA Commission for review.

The CALEA Commission will then determine if the department will be granted reaccredited status for another four years.

During this time, the Surprise Police Department is undergoing annual remote reviews and submit reports showing continued compliance with CALEA standards.

Surprise Police Department was initially accredited in 2007 and reaccredited in 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2020.

For information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., write the Commission at 13575 Heathcoat Boulevard, Suite 160, Gainesville, VA 20155, or call 703-352-4225, or email calea@calea.org.

Visit the CALEA website at calea.org.