The Durham Police Department is opening up the floor to public comments, but don't expect any flashy detective work to follow. As stated in their recent social media post, the Durham Police Department is aligning with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Standards, and they're doing so with the launch of a new web-based public comment portal.
Before you go typing up your latest interaction with the boys in blue, it's important to note what this portal is, and maybe more crucially, what it's not – it's a place where the public can leave both pats on the back and constructive criticism about how the Durham Police serve and protect or don't, but it ain't a spot for airing your dirty laundry or looking to kick-start an investigation. This portal is part of the accreditation process which aims to help the police department improve and keep up the good work, assuming the good work is, in fact, being done.
To be clear, CALEA isn't in the business of investigating; they're more about standards and excellence in policing, "The purpose of this public comment portal is to receive comments regarding the agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for the accredited status," as the Durham Police Department puts it, and while you will get a nod for your input, don't expect a conversation; it's a feedback box, not a hotline.
What happens with these comments? They'll be shuffled through, assessed for relevancy, and could very well influence the agency's stride towards professional excellence, that's the hope anyway. It all boils down to the bigger picture of continuous improvement that CALEA accreditation is gunning for, with the Durham Police in the running they’re hoping public input serves as yet another source feedback and possibly, even a beacon leading the way to better policing.
