Can Small or Mid-Size Agencies Afford National Accreditation?
Often we hear Chiefs of small or mid-size police departments say they cannot afford to participate in the CALEA National Accreditation Program. Others say the process would be too demanding on their agency and personnel – I disagree. As the former (retired) Chief of the City of Fairfax (VA), also nationally accredited, and now Chief of the City of Manassas (VA), I believe that small or mid-size agencies can afford national accreditation. In fact, it might be more accurate to say that small or mid-size agencies cannot afford not to be accredited – either at the state or national level. Certainly, contract costs of both state and national accreditation vary and must be carefully weighed by the individual agency in context with real-time economic and fiscal constraints. As Chief of Police of a mid-size agency of 120 personnel, I have had the full and complete support of my City Manager, Mayor, and Council to pursue national accreditation status. They have a clear understanding of the dire
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