Police Department Accreditation Meeting

Date: March 30, 2015

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 301 College Avenue, City Hall Commission Chamber, Athens, GA 30601

ATHENS — Athens-Clarke County police are trying to gain its community’s trust. The ACC Police Department is inviting the public to comment on its assessment of the department. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) is conducting the assessment for the department’s re-accreditation.

Grady Newsource reporter Cara Lynn Clarkson is looking into what the department thinks will be the most anticipated comments from the public.

ACCPD is one of about 700 law enforcement agencies with accreditation out of the 19,000 agencies in the country. The police must comply with 483 standards to gain accreditation.

“The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement’s standards, systems, and processes offer a unique opportunity to obtain the perspective of external assessors with proven management experience and track records in law enforcement,” said Interim Chief Carter Greene. He feels that the benefits of accreditation outweigh the costs. CALEA accreditation puts you among the elite police departments and can even reduce your legal liabilities according to the chief.

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association does not require this accreditation. Executive Director Terry Norris says “it’s a matter of opinion.” They support anyone who feels the accreditation will help.

“It doesn’t mean you’re not good and effective and efficient sheriff or police department if you’re not accredited,” said Norris.

Members of the community are invited to a public information session Monday, Mar. 30th at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to allow people in the area to provide comments about the police for the assessment team. People who are unable to attend the meeting at 6 p.m. can call 706-613-3888, ext. 400, between 1-3 p.m. on Monday. Comments will be limited to 10 minutes per person.