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Accreditation Process Begins For California Highway Patrol
CHP

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to improving law enforcement and public safety services, will visit the California Highway Patrol (CHP) starting Monday, July 11. During their four-day visit, the CALEA assessors will verify the CHP’s overall compliance with a set of standards designed to ensure the agency’s policies and procedures are consistent with law enforcement industry best practices.

The CHP initially received accredited status from CALEA in 2010 when it became the largest law enforcement agency in the nation to receive such an honor. Since that time, the CHP Academy and Communications Centers have also received accredited status. This year, CALEA will assess the three functions of law enforcement, training, and communications at the same time.

Because accreditation is an ongoing process, the Department must continuously prove compliance with CALEA standards and submit to periodic on-site assessments. The assessors will visit CHP Headquarters, the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, and various administrative and field commands to examine all aspects of the Department’s policies, procedures, administration, operations, and support services. Participation in the CALEA accreditation program is voluntary.

“The California Highway Patrol is always looking for ways to improve,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow, who has led the agency since 2008. “We welcome any opportunity for meaningful feedback and critique from recognized experts in law enforcement and public safety administration. CALEA has been a very valuable resource for us.”

As a part of the assessment process, members of the public are invited to comment on the CHP’s compliance with accreditation standards and ask questions about the accreditation process. A public call-in session is scheduled for Monday, July 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members of the public wishing to comment may call (916) 843-4398. Additionally, the public is invited to attend an information session on Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the California State Lottery Headquarters, 700 N. 10th St., Sacramento.