Shreveport Police Department

PO Box P · Shreveport, LA 71161 · 318/673-6933 · Fax: 318/673-6914

www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Feb. 16, 2000

Contact: Cindy Chadwick

318/673-6932

SPD begins accreditation process

The Shreveport Police Department has taken its first step toward becoming a nationally accredited law enforcement agency.

The department has formed an accreditation unit which will immediately begin comparing current police department rules and regulations to national standards adopted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The review will be conducted by Shreveport Police Lt. Richard Salley and Cpl. Keith Greer.

Police Chief Jim Roberts said the accreditation process will be lengthy. It could take up to 24 months to complete the policy review and provide proof of compliance with accreditation standards. An on-site assessment of the department conducted by CALEA representatives from other states would then follow, and that could take up to 12 more months. The on-site assessment, which is the final phase of the accreditation process, includes checking thedepartment's proofs of compliance, conducting interviews, and holding public hearings.

But the wait will be worth it, Robert said. Agencies that have participated in the process agree that professional accreditation promotes greater accountability within the department, reduces liability potential, and increases government and community support.

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Page 2 - Accreditation

"Accreditation is about self-improvement," Roberts said. "It's an opportunity for an outside entity made up of the law enforcement and non-law enforcement community to review our department and say we rank among the best, or point out our shortcomings and help us fix them."

The accreditation commission has established 439 standards for law enforcement which address everything from operations to personnel to prisoner and court-related activities. Agencies are required to comply only with those standards that specifically apply to them.

There are currently more than 500 accredited law enforcement agencies. Once a department is accredited, the status is good for three years. During this time, the department must submit annual reports that document continuing compliance. Re-accreditation occurs at the end of the three years.

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