KPD Assessors Arrive Saturday

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive in Kennesaw on Saturday to examine all aspects of the Kennesaw Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief of Police Bill Westenberger said. 

“Verification by the team that our department meets the commission’s strict standards is part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation," Westenberger said. "It’s a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. The department must comply with 480 standards in order to maintain accredited status.”

As a part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Monday, Aug. 27. The session will held at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at the back of City Hall. Residents who want to provide comments but can't attend the meeting can call 470-244-5499 on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 1-3 p.m. 

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must specifically address the department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. Copies of the standards are available at the Kennesaw Police Department Headquarters, 2539 J. O. Stephenson Avenue. The contact is Sergeant Brice A. Barth who can also be reached at 770-422-2505, ext 3039. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the KPD’s ability to meet the standards for 
accreditation is requested to write: 

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) 
13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 
Gainesville, Virginia 20155 
Kennesaw Police Department 

The CALEA Program Manager responsible for evaluating KPD is Mr. Dennis Hyater. The assessment team is composed of public safety practitioners from similar but out-of-state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be witnessed. 

The team members are Captain Vince Dauro of the Huntsville, Ala. Police Department and Lieutenant Len Hatcher of the Garner, N.C. Police Department. 

Once the assessors complete their review, they report back to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted re-accredited status. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. 

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the commission at the address above, call 800-368-3757 or (703) 352-4225 or email calea@calea.org