The Fort Smith Police Department is the first in the State of Arkansas to be dually accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA’s accreditation
programs provide a process to systematically conduct an internal review and assessment of the agencies’ policies and procedures, and make adjustments wherever necessary to meet a body of internationally
accepted standards. CALEA Accreditation is the primary method for an agency to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
• CALEA Accreditation requires the agency to develop a comprehensive, well thought out uniform set of written directives.
• CALEA Accreditation standards provide the necessary reports and analyses a CEO needs to make fact-based, informed management decisions.
• CALEA Accreditation requires a preparedness program be put in place so an agency is ready to address natural or man-made unusual occurrences.
• CALEA Accreditation is a means for developing or improving upon an agency’s relationship with the community or the agencies it services.
• CALEA Accreditation strengthens an agency’s accountability, both within the agency and the community, through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities.
• Being CALEA Accredited can limit an agency’s liability and risk exposure because it demonstrates that internationally recognized standards for both law enforcement agency and public safety communications have been met, as verified by a team of independent outside CALEA-trained assessors.
• CALEA Accreditation facilitates an agency’s pursuit of professional excellence.
The Police Department received its Law Enforcement Accreditation in 2003 and the Police Department’s Communications Center received its initial Public Safety Communications Accreditation in 2007.
The Fort Smith Accreditation Team consists of Sgt. Dawn Sprayberry - Supervisor, Cpl. Freddy Rizzo – Law Enforcement Accreditations Manager, Rhonda Harper – Communications Accreditation Manager,
and Cpl. Greg Smithson. It is with pride that
the Accreditation Team pursues continued accreditation in both areas not only to ensure quality service to the citizens of Fort Smith but to also show the commitment to our community.
Click here to find out answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefits, Standards, Accreditation
Process, and Commission History.
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