The Bristol Tennessee Police Department accepted its seventh accreditation award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) on July 30, 2016 in Baltimore, MD.
Prior to receiving this award, the police department underwent a comprehensive inspection from CALEA assessors in March 2016. The department then had a hearing before the Commission at the conference in Baltimore regarding the inspection. The Commission commented that the department had a very positive inspection, and overall the department was performing excellently. The Commission specifically noted exceptional performance with the department’s use of force policies, pursuit policies, and community policing. The Commission also noted that the management of the department has consistently raised the level of compliance of the accreditation process through the department’s seventh accreditation award.
Lt. Keith Feathers, Accreditation Manager, led the re-accreditation process and was responsible for proving the Department’s compliance with the standards. The police department was in compliance with all mandatory standards and 94% of the Other-Than-Mandatory-Compliance standards.
Every three years, assessors visit Bristol, Tennessee to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed appropriately. The police department has now engrained in its culture, and its operating policies, the CALEA standards, and these values are obvious in the performance of the department’s personnel.
“Providing quality and efficient services to the community is the top priority for the Bristol Tennessee Police Department,” said Police Chief Blaine Wade. “To ensure the protection of life, health and property, being accredited ensures that officers are always cognizant of clear and unambiguous policies and procedures; are guaranteed constant training to remain in compliance as policies change; and are provided the necessary resources, equipment and personnel to do the job as specified by proven, national standards,” continued Wade. Law enforcement accreditation is a guide for police departments that promotes fiscal and financial responsibility, which is a tremendous benefit to the community. The Bristol Tennessee Police Department and its personnel are proud of its 7th award from CALEA.
CALEA Information:
CALEA was formed in 1979 by four law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and the Police Executive Research Forum. The goals of the Commission are to strengthen crime prevention, formalize essential management procedures, establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices, and improve service delivery.
