KNOXVILLE, Tenn — The Knoxville Police Department announced that a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will make their way to the city on Dec. 11, 2023.
CALEA will examine all aspects of KPD and KPD Training Academy’s policy and procedures, management and operations.
KPD's assessment by CALEA is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation—a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.
As part of the assessment, employees and the public are invited to offer comments via KPD's CALEA Public Comment Portal located at this link.
The purpose of the public comment portal is to receive comments regarding KPD's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns.
The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide KPD with information to support continuous improvement. KPD’s accreditation contact is Officer Nicola Coplan at (865) 215-7485.
Those wishing to submit written comments about KPD's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may also send them to CALEA at 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155, or by email at calea@calea.org with Knoxville Police Department mentioned in the subject line.
CALEA is composed of public safety practitioners from similar but out-of-state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be seen. Retired Chief Michael West of the Gwinnett County Police Department will assess KPD. Retired Lieutenant Scott Lau of the Roanoke Virginia Police Department will assess KPD's Training Academy.
Once the review of the department is complete, they will report back to CALEA, who will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.
Accreditation is currently for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports.
