The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA, will visit Hawaii Island as part of re-accreditation process for the Hawaii Police Department.
The team of assessors will arrive Aug. 4 to examine all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
The team’s verification that the department meets CALEA’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation.
As part of the assessment, community members are invited to offer comments to the visiting CALEA team by calling 961-2270 on Aug. 6 between 2 and 4 p.m. In addition, the department invites the public to an information session at 5 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Puna Conference Room at the Hawaii County Building, 25 Aupuni St., in Hilo.
All comments will be limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards.
“I strongly encourage the community to take part in the accreditation process for our department by providing input during the public comment session …,” said Police Chief Paul Ferreira in a statement. “The CALEA accreditation process is a proven modern management model. It presents the police chief … with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the concept that accreditation embodies the principles of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.”
Anyone unable to attend the session or provide telephone comments can send written comments to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 22030-2215 or through CALEA’s website at www.calea.org.
A copy of the CALEA standards is available for review through a link at www.hawaiipolice.com or at the police department.
For additional information, call Lt. Regino Saludares at 961-2260.