The Roswell Police Department received its 10th national law enforcement reaccreditation at the Sept. 28 council meeting, a milestone stretching back to 1995.
Police Chief James Conroy presented the recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) to the full council, according to the city's meeting agenda. The department first earned CALEA accreditation in 1995. The Sept. 28 award marks its 10th reaccreditation.
Few agencies reach that number. Fewer than 5% of law enforcement agencies in the United States hold CALEA accreditation, according to PowerDMS.
The department's E911 Division picked up its own milestone the same night. The division received its third Public Safety Communications Reaccreditation from CALEA, according to the council minutes. CALEA's communications program evaluates 911 dispatch centers under a separate set of standards from the law enforcement track, covering how centers handle emergency calls, dispatch protocols and technology systems.
CALEA is an independent credentialing body created in 1979 to set professional standards for public safety agencies. Agencies seeking accreditation must meet about 458 standards covering nearly every aspect of operations. Reaccreditation requires a fresh self-assessment every three to four years, according to PowerDMS.
Peer-reviewed research cited by PowerDMS has found the credential is associated with greater public satisfaction and trust in local police, along with stronger belief that police support accountability and community engagement.
The city also lists a 2015 Gold Standard Assessment from CALEA on its official awards page, a higher-tier recognition within the accreditation program.
All seven council members were present for the Sept. 28 recognition: Mayor Mary Robichaux and Councilmembers Sarah Beeson, Eren Brumley, Christine Hall, Jennifer Phillippi, Allen Sells and Chris Zack.
The next regularly scheduled Roswell City Council meeting is Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 38 Hill St.
