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Columbus Division of Police

Message from the Chief

CALEA, The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., is the gold standard of police accreditation.

This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of over 400 professional standards.

On July 30, 2011, the Columbus Division of Police was awarded the most prestigious award for accredited agencies, the Award with Excellence. 

The criteria for this level of accreditation include the following:

1. Demonstrated excellence in the development and implementation of contemporary policy and procedure.
2. Demonstrated excellence in the ability to use the CALEA Accreditation process as a tool for continuous organizational improvement.
3. Demonstrated excellence in the collection, review and analysis of organizational data for the purpose of public safety service improvement.
4. Demonstrated advocacy for CALEA Accreditation as a strategy for enhancing the professional standing of public safety.
5. Demonstrated excellence in addressing the intent of CALEA Standards, beyond compliance.
6. Demonstrated organizational culture supportive of CALEA Accreditation.
7. Accreditation assessment demonstrating standards compliance and accreditation process success.

After a comprehensive onsite assessment in April of this year the team leader of the assessment team wrote in the final report of the on-site assessment: 

During this on-site, the assessors reviewed policies and procedures, visited several departmental facilities, and interacted with dozens of officers and civilian staff.  The men and women of the CDP that we encountered were unfailingly courteous, professional, and helpful, both to us and to the Columbus citizens with whom we observed them come in contact.  They keep the department’s equipment and facilities in immaculate condition and by their professional demeanor, it is clear that the members of the agency take justifiable pride in their department.

As previously stated the Columbus Division of Police has exhibited a true dedication to not only the CALEA standards for Law Enforcement Accreditation but also to the intent and spirit of accreditation.  They have exceeded many of the standards, used the standards to excel in their professionalism and improve the lives of those citizens they are sworn to protect and serve.  CALEA Accreditation is pervasive throughout the entire organizational culture of the agency and receives the full support and encouragement of the Chief of Police.

As members of the Columbus Division of Police, we are understandable proud of the service we continue to provide to the citizens of this great city, Columbus, Ohio.  This recognition is an affirmation of our efforts to the citizens we serve.

Date: 4:20:40 PM 08/4/2011 EDT