The Nashville Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) has once again proven its commitment to excellence by attaining its seventh reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). According to Nashville Emergency Communications, the award was received in Jacksonville, Florida, highlighting the department's adherence to nearly 210 national standards that govern the operation of a 911 center.
Leaders of the DEC, including Director Stephen Martini, Assistant Director of Support Services Patrice Coleman, and Accreditation Manager Adrianne Dillion, were present to accept the honor, which represents not only the department's consistency in meeting rigorous benchmarks but also its dedication to serving the Nashville community. Accepted in Jacksonville, Florida, this past weekend, the reaccreditation process entails an extensive evaluation of DEC's policies, procedures, and how it documents and carries out its daily operations.
Since its first accreditation in 2005, DEC has successfully navigated through each four-year review. This recent triumph also earned the department Meritorious Accreditation, an award presented to agencies that demonstrate a commitment to public safety for over 15 consecutive years. A blue Meritorious ribbon on the certificate complements this notable status from CALEA. Furthermore, Nashville has garnered recognition beyond the department, earning the TRI-ARC award, a commendation shared with both the Metro Nashville Police Department and the MNPD Training Academy.
Adrianne Dillion, an experienced member of the DEC's team for 13 years, oversees the department's compliance efforts as the Accreditation Manager. In her reflection on this accomplishment, Dillion told Metro Nashville, "I am proud to serve in this capacity, ensuring our center continues to strive beyond the excellence required by these standards across the continent. The Tri-Arc award highlights our partnership with the other public safety agencies within Metro ensuring we’re committed to achieving the best for Nashvillians and visitors to Nashville and Davidson County." The statement underlines how the efforts of DEC aren't just about meeting but exceeding expected standards of operation.
