Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Earns Fifth Re-Accreditation
Monday, November 21, 2011 | 05:16am
NASHVILLE –- The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) awarded the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security its fifth re-accreditation this weekend at its annual conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The department was first accredited in 1999, then again in 2002, 2005 and 2008.
Law enforcement agencies are evaluated for accreditation every three years. During which time, the organization must comply with more than 400 standards in order to gain accredited status. A team of CALEA assessors visited the state’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security offices in September to examine all aspects of the agencies policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
“We are pleased that CALEA has once again recognized our commitment to professional excellence in public safety,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “Colonel Tracy Trott and his team are to be commended for this accomplishment, and for ensuring the Tennessee Highway Patrol is an efficient and professionally-run agency.”
Composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies from out-of-state, the CALEA assessment team reported its findings to the Commission for final determination of accreditation status. While accreditation is awarded on a three-year cycle, the department must maintain compliance with applicable standards during that time. A copy of the CALEA standards is available at the eight THP District Headquarters across the state.
“The accreditation process is very detailed, and it requires law enforcement agencies to be at their best,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Our Staff Inspections Unit put in many hours to ensure we earned accreditation for another three years. With this accreditation, we have demonstrated that the Tennessee Highway Patrol is among the best-qualified and trained law enforcement agencies in the country.”
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
For more information about CALEA, please visit http://www.calea.org/
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is (www.TN.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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