Pagedale Police Department Awarded National Law Enforcement Accreditation by CALEA
Pagedale Police Department Awarded National Law Enforcement Accreditation by CALEA
Gainesville, VA (Saturday, November 19th, 2022) – The Pagedale Police Department was awarded national accreditation on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in the Law Enforcement Accreditation LE1 program.
Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Pagedale Police Department Chief of Police Colonel Anthony Huckleberry and Accreditation Manager Corporal Brett Farnam attended the CALEA conference in St. Louis, Missouri held November 15-19. Each agency being reviewed, goes before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners where the commission reviews all findings and determines the agencies’ accreditation status.
The evening of the hearing, during the celebration banquet, CALEA President Marcus Brown and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Pagedale Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to community. This is the Pagedale Police Department’s first award of national accreditation. The Pagedale Police Department now moves into CALEA’s four-year Accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.
"This is a great thing not only for the City of Pagedale and the Pagedale Police Department, but also for the entire community and especially the Citizens of Pagedale! This would not have been possible without their support. The Pagedale Police Department has worked tirelessly to ensure that the makeup of the Department reflects the demographics of the Community and because of this has received remarkable support not only from the Communities which they serve, but also surrounding Agencies and Community Partners. We look forward to continue to build confidence and trust with the Citizens as we move forward towards the next chapter." Colonel Anthony Huckleberry, Chief of Police, Pagedale Police Department
In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.
The purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” said CALEA President Marcus Brown. “Agencies must go through a rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should be feel confident that their public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under the highest standards in public safety.”
Benefits of Accreditation
Controlled Liability Insurance Costs - Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.
Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints - Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.
Greater Accountability Within the Agency - Accreditation standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.
Staunch Support from Government Officials - Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.
Increases Community Advocacy - Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.
Improved Employee Morale - Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.
About CALEA
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: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs 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.
This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best practices and approved by an all-volunteer board of commissioners.
About the Pagedale Police Department
Located in the greater metro area of St. Louis County Missouri, the Pagedale Police Department serves the communities of Pagedale and Greendale providing services to approximately 4,200 residents. Comprised of approximately 25 sworn Officers, the Pagedale Police Department patrols an area of approximately 1.5 square miles and is bordered by University City, Hanley Hills, Normandy, and areas of unincorporated St. Louis County Missouri.
For further information, please contact:
Colonel Anthony Huckleberry
Chief of Police
Pagedale Police Department
1420 Ferguson Ave
Pagedale, Missouri 63133
(314) 726-1112
CALEA
Travis Parrish
Tel: +1 703 352 4225 x39
tparrish@calea.org