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Politics & Government

Kennesaw PD Receives Re-accreditation

The re-accreditation was awarded on Nov. 17.

The Kennesaw Police Department has been awarded re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA).

The Kennesaw Police Department received its first international accreditation in 2009 after an on-site assessment. Immediately after the initial accreditation was complete, preparations began for this year's on-site assessment, which was conducted in August. During this three year process, the department’s general orders, policies and procedures were reviewed to ensure they all met applicable CALEA standards.

The on-site assessment was conducted by a team of out-of-state certified CALEA assessors who visited the police department and examined all aspects of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. The assessment team interactedwith department personnel by riding along with patrol officers and conducting interviews with sworn and civilian personnel. Various community leaders were also interviewed.

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“Our success is made possible by the hard work of the men and women ofour agency, the support of our city leaders and community, and partnerships with other great publicsafety servants,” Chief William Westenberger said.

During the assessment, the team also took comments from the public in a public session and by telephone to give residents an opportunity to comment on the department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. The CALEA Standards Manual was made available for public review.

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The team found that the department was in compliance with all 480 applicable standards. Following the evaluation process, the leader prepared an assessment report for the CALEA Commission to review. At the Nov. 17 hearing in Jacksonville, the commission thoroughly questioned Westenberger. After confirming that the department is in compliance with applicable standards, the CALEA Commission awarded accreditation.

“The commitment and dedication of the Kennesaw Police Department is exemplary,” Mayor Mark Mathews said. “I was very proud of the teamwork it took to achieve this accomplishment.”

CALEA was established as a credentialing authority in 1979 through the joint efforts of major law enforcement executive associations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Its goals are to improve the delivery of public safety services by developing and maintaining a body of standards, establishing and administering an accreditation process for law enforcement agencies, and recognizing  professional excellence in public safety. Of the roughly 23,000 law enforcement agencies in theUnited States, only about 1,200 have been awarded CALEA accreditation.

To continue to remain accredited, the Kennesaw Police Department must maintain compliance with the applicable standards and undergo a new CALEA assessment every three years.

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