CALEA - Communications

The CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program provides a communications center, or the communications unit of a public safety agency, with a process to systemically review and internally assess their operations and procedures. Since the first CALEA Communication Accreditation Award was granted in 1999, the program has become the primary method for a communications agency to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to excellence. The standards upon which the Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program is based reflect the current thinking and experience of public safety communications executives and accreditation experts. APCO International (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc.), the leading communications membership association, was a partner in the development of CALEA’s Standards for Public Safety Communications Agencies© and its Accreditation Program. This relationship continues today as APCO recognizes the achievements of CALEA Accredited Public Safety Communications agencies and supports accreditation.

The purpose of CALEA Accreditation is to develop and improve upon a communications center’s relationship with the community and the agencies it services by creating a comprehensive, well thought out uniform set of written directives. These directives will strenghthen an agency’s accountability, both within the agency and community, through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities.

The program requires a preparedness program that will address natural or man-made unusual occurrences, as well as provide the necessary reports and analysis that a CEO needs to make fact-based, informed management decisions. By meeting these internationally recognized standards for public safety communications standards, an agency can limit their liability and risk exposure, ultimately allowing the agency to continue its pursuit of professional excellence.

Visit www.calea.org for more information.