Administrative BriefCITY COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
June 14, 2012
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEF FROM JAMES HILL
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Department Accreditation
The Salina Police Department's fifth re- accreditation on -site inspection, the last major hurdle
remaining in our re- accreditation process, will be conducted from October 21 -23. During this time,
we will undergo a comprehensive review by a team of independent assessors, composed of public
safety practitioners, acting as representatives of the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies, Inc. ( CALEA). Their charge will be to critically examine from top -to- bottom
the operation, management and written directive system of the Salina Police Department.
The Salina Police Department was initially awarded the coveted law enforcement
accreditation status on March 23, 1996. Since the initial award, we have successfully completed
the comprehensive assessment process four additional times, achieving re- accreditation again in
2001, 2004, 2007 and 2010.
To prepare for the upcoming on -site in October, our accreditation team has invited two
CALEA trained assessors to participate in a mock on -site review. Their review, which is in essence
a dress rehearsal, is scheduled for June 28 -29. Following the mock on -site, we will have a window
of opportunity to address any identified deficiencies prior to October's formal on -site inspection.
A team of CALEA assessors will then visit the department to conduct a comprehensive inspection
to ensure not only that we are in compliance with all applicable, nationally recognized professional
police standards, but that we live by the letter and spirit of the standards.
The assessment team will report its findings to the national governing body. In March 2013, our
accreditation team will appear before a review committee (consisting of three CALEA
commissioners) to address any questions or concerns they may have. If approved by the
committee, the full 21- member board of commissioners will make a final determination concerning
our accreditation status. We are cautiously optimistic that the Salina Police Department will
receive its sixth accreditation award, which is granted for a three -year period.
Although the accreditation process has and continues to be a major undertaking that requires
considerable commitment of departmental energies and talent, the endeavor has left our
organization better for the effort and more professional for the accomplishment. Most importantly,
however, accreditation has enhanced and will continue to enhance our ability to provide the
citizens of Salina with the highest quality, most professional police service possible.
MONDAY'S MEETING
Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has questions or cannot attend the
meeting, please contact me.
Jason A. Gage, City Manager