Nashville, Tennessee --- A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive August 22, 2005, to examine all aspects of the Department of Safety, Commissioner Fred Phillips and Colonel Lynn Pitts announced today.

The assessors will look at the department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. "Verification by the team that the Department of Safety meets the Commission's state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation -- a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence," said Phillips.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the public are invited to offer comments directly to the assessment team by calling 1-877-459-3038 between the hours of 1:00pm and 5:00pm CDT, on August 25, 2005. Comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the department's ability to comply with CALEA Standards. A copy of the standards is on display at Tennessee Department of Safety Headquarters in Nashville, as well as at all Tennessee Highway Patrol Headquarters throughout the state.

Those wishing to offer written comments about the Tennessee Department of Safety's ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 10306 Eaton Place, Suite 320, Fairfax , VA , 22030-2201 .

The Department of Safety must comply with approximately 446 standards in order to gain accredited status. By undergoing the voluntary submittal to intensive scrutiny and peer review from the Commission, the Department of Safety can document to the citizens of Tennessee that their state law enforcement agency is among the finest in the nation. Being accredited guarantees the department is among the best-qualified and trained law enforcement agencies in the country.

Colonel Lynn Pitts said the CALEA assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar, but out of state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and visit Department of Safety facilities throughout the state. Once the Commission's assessors complete their review, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the department is to be granted accredited status. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the department must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were accredited.

For more information about the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., write the Commission at the above address or call (800) 367-3757 or (703) 352-4225.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.