ACCREDITATION

On March 15, 2008, the Modesto Police Department received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) at a hearing held in Atlanta, Georgia.  The department was first accredited by the Commission in March 2005 and is one of only five municipal agencies in California to currently achieve and maintain this honor.

“We are very pleased to have received re-accreditation,” said Modesto Police Chief Roy Wasden.  “The men and women who serve at the Modesto Police Department deserve to be recognized for their professionalism and dedication to the citizens of our community.  Our employees, our practices and our policies have been thoroughly examined by CALEA and have been found to meet the high standards of re-accreditation.”

The accreditation and re-accreditation process is demanding and extremely detailed. The department must have policies in place that meet the highest standards of modern law enforcement as outlined in CALEA guidelines. The department must also demonstrate and show proof that it adheres to those policies. In addition, CALEA assessors visit the department to get a hands-on look at how the department operates and upholds these standards.

CALEA assessors visited the Modesto Police Department in December 2007. The assessors conducted an extensive on-site audit for three days. Assessors reviewed department policies and interviewed officers, citizens and other employees. The assessors’ final report was very favorable of the Modesto Police Department and recommended re-accreditation.

Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour attended the hearing in Atlanta along with four other Modesto Police officials who were available to answer any questions the commissioners may have had during the hearing. “I think it’s great that our police department is examined by an internationally recognized organization like CALEA,” said Mayor Ridenour. “It helps to ensure that our department is in line with professional law enforcement practices.”

Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence.  Employees of the Modesto Police Department take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.