SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has received accreditation for the first time from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Today’s announcement makes the CHP the largest accredited law enforcement agency in the nation.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate the hard-working men and women of the CHP, along with Commissioner Farrow, who have worked so hard for this incredible distinction,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The CHP is and always has been a premier law enforcement agency. Accreditation means that the Department is now recognized on a national level for its high standards and sound policies and procedures. I join all Californians in congratulating our exemplary statewide law enforcement agency.”
CALEA awarded the CHP accreditation Saturday following an accreditation conference in Garden Grove. The announcement culminates a two-year pursuit for the highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence which began when the CHP applied for accreditation in 2008.
“I am so thankful to the members of CALEA for bestowing this great honor on the CHP,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Words cannot describe how proud I am of this organization and the hard work of our employees, past and present, who have built a foundation of excellence that continues today. This is indeed a most prestigious honor and one that truly reflects the professionalism of the CHP.”
The CALEA Accreditation Program provides law enforcement agencies with an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate their adherence to an established set of professional standards and includes an external, objective evaluation of departmental operations which may assist with the identification of potential areas needing improvement. Ultimately, the CALEA Accreditation Program promotes the efficient use of resources and seeks to improve service delivery.
Accreditation is for three years, during which time the CHP must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
For additional information regarding CALEA, please go to www.calea.org.