Brentwood Police reported on May 4 that the department has completed a three-year process to earn accreditation by Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
From the department:
On May 4, 2019, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) awarded the Brentwood, Missouri Police Department international accreditation for the first time in the agency’s history. Since 1979, CALEA has been identified as the “Gold Standard” of best practices in law enforcement and this achievement in the voluntary process marks a police agency’s commitment to excellence in law enforcement.
In July 2016, the Brentwood Police Department entered into an agreement with CALEA to begin a three-year “self-assessment” process toward becoming accredited. To achieve accreditation the agency must comply with 189 CALEA standards. This process involved an in-depth review of the agency’s operations and lead to the development of over 90 new, industry standard directives, forms, and guidelines, including a new policy acknowledgement system, personnel early intervention system, and internal affairs tracking system.
In August 2018 the police department completed the self-assessment process and petitioned CALEA for a review. In October 2018, Compliance Service Members from CALEA reviewed each directive and proofs of compliance and found them to be in compliance with the CALEA standards.
From November 26 to 28, 2018, assessors from CALEA visited the Brentwood Police Department to conduct a thorough examination of the police operations, support services, evidence/property storage, communications, municipal court, finance, human resources, and public relations through site visits, interviews and observations. The assessors met with the City of Brentwood Mayor and City Administrator, Brentwood School District officials, Richmond Heights Police Department jail staff, and East Central Dispatch Center (ECDC) staff, and also toured each facility.
In December 2018, CALEA released a 43-page detailed report on the Brentwood Police Department indicating the agency was in complete compliance with all applicable standards.
On May 4, 2019, members of the Brentwood Police Department traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to participate in an accreditation review by the CALEA counsel and to answer questions regarding the City, preparation for certification, and value to the process for the Department. At a banquet that evening, the Brentwood Police Department was officially recognized as CALEA certified.
The City of Brentwood recognizes the excellent work completed by members of the Brentwood Police Department staff, especially Major Jim McIntyre and CALEA Accreditation Manager Kevin Boschert. Their diligence and expertise resulted in the award completion nearly one year early and an excellent review for the Department.
Maplewood Police earned CALEA accreditation in 2014.
See also: Area police departments among few in county with accreditation