The Northern Arizona University Police Department received a unanimous vote for its eighth consecutive accreditation at a recent meeting of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA).
In November, CALEA, which serves as the international gold standard for public safety agencies, sent assessors to examine all aspects of NAU PD’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. After this thorough examination, the 21 commissioners voted on March 25 to give the department full accreditation, which will remain in effect for four years.
During this four-year period, NAU PD will continue to meet the more than 400 CALEA law enforcement standards.
“NAU PD is committed to serving our community with integrity, sensitivity and professionalism and will continue to do so in pursuit of our ninth CALEA accreditation,” Police Chief Kelli Smith said.
Verification by the team of assessors that NAU PD has met CALEA standards is part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation, a highly recognized achievement in the law enforcement profession. NAU PD completed a three-year process of self-assessment that included a review of policies, practices and processes against more than 400 internationally accepted public safety standards.
“NAU is fortunate to have a university police force dedicated to the highest levels of quality and professional service,” President Rita Cheng said. “The department is very deserving of this national recognition.