CALEA

Since 2011, the Iowa Department of Public Safety has been a proud participant in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) program - a highly-regarded international law enforcement accrediting body.

Considered the gold standard in public safety, CALEA accreditation provides law enforcement agencies a framework of best practices and standards to ensure accountability within their agencies, reduce liability exposure, and promote effective resource management. Accreditation also requires routine assessments that represent an ongoing obligation to continue the quest for excellence by achieving compliance to all applicable standards and any future standards.

In November 2011, CALEA awarded DPS this highly-coveted accreditation. To achieve this award, the Department underwent a lengthy process that included establishing or revising policies and procedures, including an independent third-party review by CALEA assessors to assure that it met the standards required of law enforcement agencies.

Today, DPS is one of only 12 Iowa law enforcement agencies that are CALEA accredited.

To make a comment regarding the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status, visit the CALEA Accreditation Public Comment Portal. 

To learn more about the role and benefits of CALEA accreditation, click here to visit the CALEA website.