The Tacoma Police Department is currently seeking Law Enforcement Accreditation through the internationally acclaimed Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

As part of the accreditation process, CALEA assessors will conduct a comprehensive audit within the Tacoma Police Department from Aug. 14 through Aug. 17. It is critical that the onsite assessors receive direct input from citizens and other stakeholders relative to the performance of the department. Therefore, a public meeting is scheduled from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 15 at the Tacoma Police Headquarters, 3701 S. Pine St., Room 1210.

Those who are unable to attend the meeting can call (253) 591-5227 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sun., Aug.15, to provide comments directly to a CALEA assessor. Comments by phone or during the meeting will be limited to five minutes. Citizens wishing to offer comments immediately may submit them directly to CALEA via mail or telephone. Written comments should be sent to: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155, or call (703) 352-4225 to speak directly to a CALEA assessor.

To obtain CALEA accreditation, the Tacoma Police Department must comply with as many as 464 law enforcement standards covering every facet of the administration and operation of the department and demonstrate compliance to a team of assessors. Though the process is completely voluntary, CALEA Accreditation is an affirmation of law enforcement excellence.

Founded in 1979 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization for Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), National Sheriff’s Association (NSA), and Professional Executive Research Forum (PERF), CALEA seeks to reinforce the partnership between law enforcement best practices and Community Oriented Policing.