The Hendersonville Police Department is embarking on the process of international accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA). HPD voluntarily entered the self-assessment phase in February 2023. The department hopes to achieve compliance with over 160 standards by the end of 2024. 

 

“Obtaining CALEA accreditation is an ambitious and worthwhile process,” said Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand. “Through the accreditation process, our department will demonstrate how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.”  

 

To receive accreditation, the department will endure a rigorous review and evaluation of the organization while implementing necessary policy and procedural changes. The Hendersonville Police Department is committed to modeling the highest standards in law enforcement.  

 

Benefits of CALEA accreditation include: 

 

• Controlled Liability Insurance Costs - Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.  
• Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints - Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.  
• Greater Accountability Within the Agency - Accreditation standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.  
• Staunch Support from Government Officials - Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service delivery. This can provide government officials with increased confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.  
• Increases Community Advocacy - Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.  
• Improved Employee Morale - Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety. 

 

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). CALEA’s accreditation programs improve service delivery by maintaining a body of standards developed by public safety practitioners to recognize professional excellence. 

 

Specifically, CALEA’s goals are: Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities; Formalize essential management procedures; Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; Improve service delivery; Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and Increase community and staff confidence in the agency. The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model. Once implemented, it gives the Chief of Police a blueprint to promote the efficient use of resources and improve service delivery. 

 

Additional information on the CALEA Accreditation Process is available at https://calea.org/