Full Re-accreditation for the Department of Safety

Monday, December 08, 2008 | 09:23am

NASHVILLE ---The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) awarded the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) full re-accreditation this weekend at its annual conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“We are very pleased that CALEA has once again recognized the commitment and professionalism of this great organization,” announced Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Re-accreditation ensures that the department meets the highest standards for law enforcement agencies. CALEA requires that we not only meet their standards, but that we also maintain those standards consistently in all facets of our operations.”

“Our Staff Inspections Unit led by Lieutenant Betty Blair put in many hours of hard work to make sure this goal was accomplished for another three years,” said Colonel Mike Walker. “We are extremely gratified that our department’s professional standards continue to receive international recognition.”

 
Law enforcement agencies are evaluated for accreditation every three years. During the three year period, the Department of Safety was required to submit annual reports and other documentation to demonstrate that it continues to operate by 460 standards set forth by CALEA. The Tennessee Department of Safety first gained accreditation in 1999, and re-accreditation in 2002 and 2005.
 
A team of CALEA assessors visited the Department of Safety in August of 2008 to examine all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. The CALEA team was composed of law enforcement officers from similar agencies in other states. To make their assessment, the assessors visited various Department of Safety Divisions and units across the state, reviewed written materials and interviewed numerous personnel. The assessment included public comment on the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.
 
“The accreditation process is very detailed, and it requires law enforcement agencies to be at their best,” said Commissioner Mitchell. “This award serves as more proof that the Department of Safety is among the most professional anywhere.”
 
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.
 

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.

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