CALEA Accreditation

Cpl. Melissa Fox- Current Accreditation Manager / Public Information Officer

Brandy Burkhart- Emergency Communications Center Assistant Manager

Melissa Fox copy Brandy Burkhart update copy


In 2022, the Police Department began a Professional Standards Unit to help us move forward with the CALEA accreditation program for both our Law Enforcement and Communications Center. The Administrative Lieutenant will help oversee this unit. Changes also included realigning our Training Sergeant and Training Clerk under the Administration Division and adding an Accreditation Manager (Police Officer).

This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards which:

  • Require an agency to develop a comprehensive, well thought out, uniform set of written directives. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel.
  • Provide the necessary reports and analyses a CEO needs to make fact-based, informed management decisions.
  • Require a preparedness program be put in place—so an agency is ready to address natural or man-made critical incidents.
  • Are a means for developing or improving upon an agency's relationship with the community. 
  • Strengthen an agency's accountability, both within the agency and the community, through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities.
  • Can limit an agency's liability and risk exposure because it demonstrates that internationally recognized standards for law enforcement have been met, as verified by a team of independent outside CALEA-trained assessors.
  • Facilitates an agency's pursuit of professional excellence.

Being an Accredited agency allows us a stronger defense against lawsuits, creates greater accountability within the agency, reduces risk and liability exposure, and shows an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, & service delivery to meet the community’s needs. 

The goal of the department is to receive accreditation by the end of 2025. We have implemented the latest in policies and procedures, best practices, strengthen are accountability within the department and to our community, and ensure professional excellence

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations:

    1. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP);
    2. National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE);
    3. National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the
    4. Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

The purpose of CALEA's Accreditation Program is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.

 Specifically, CALEA’s goals are to:

  • Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities;
  • Formalize essential management procedures;
  • Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices;
  • Improve service delivery;
  • Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and
  • Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.

The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.


CALEA- 1.4.11 2024 (Annual Stats of IA Investigations for BECC)

CALEA- 1.4.11 2025 (Annual Stats of IA Investigations for BECC)

CALEA ACCREDITIATION

As part of the assessment process, agency employees and members of the community who want to make comments to CALEA regarding the agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the Bentonville community, or provide information to support improvement and foster the continued pursuit of professional excellence may visit the Accreditation Public Comment portal.