The Anne Arundel County Police Department has nailed down its tenth consecutive Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, known as CALEA®, and boy does it seem they're doing something right. The accreditation, granted on August 9 and announced today, is not just a piece of paper; it represents a comprehensive vetting of their practices, with the department meeting internationally accepted standards of a well-oiled public safety machine.
An independent cadre of assessors, each bringing a wealth of public safety experience to the table, took on the formidable task of reviewing the department's operations. The community didn't just watch from the sidelines; they rolled up their sleeves and jumped into the process, offering feedback that the department says is key to building trust. Structured interviews also played a part, putting under the microscope the way Anne Arundel's finest work with the people they're sworn to protect and serve.
It wasn't a shoo-in; the department had to clear the bar set by a panel of 21 CALEA Commissioners, which they did after a public hearing and a deep dive into the department's documents. “This tenth consecutive CALEA accreditation is a reflection of our Police Department’s dedication to the community they serve,” County Executive Steuart Pittman expressed, as per the county's official announcement. Pittman put a cherry on top with his vision for the police force's ongoing commitment to Anne Arundel County.
