CALEA Accreditation

The Lincoln Police Department first achieved certification through CALEA in 1989. We were one of the first agencies in the country (and the first in Nebraska) to achieve this certification and have maintained our certification ever since.

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CALEA®, or the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., is the premier credentialing body for law enforcement agencies in the United States. 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)
  • Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

Approximately 5% of U.S. law enforcement agencies are CALEA accredited. LPD is proud to be one of those agencies. CALEA accreditation strengthens an agency's accountability, both within the agency and the community, through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities.

Agencies that are accredited are required to adhere to hundreds of standards that address all aspects of police organizations including, but not limited to:

  • Use of physical control and use of physical control reporting, review, and analysis.
  • The implementation, use, and review of an agency Early Intervention System.
  • Unbiased policing training, reporting, and analysis of departmental trends.
  • The report and investigation of citizen complaints, including anonymous complaints.
  • Disciplinary systems and procedures.
  • Law enforcement role and authority.
  • Recruitment and selection practices and analysis.
  • Mental health training and response.

CALEA standards are continually reviewed and updated to ensure that they reflect modern law enforcement practices and community needs/issues. While accreditation does not prevent all negative outcomes, it does provide a tool for ongoing review and accountability. Accredited law enforcement agencies are required to implement written procedures and practices and to provide proofs of compliance. Agencies must also undergo an annual remote review and a site-based assessment once every four years that includes interviews with community organizations and members and an advertised public hearing in which the community is welcome to participate and provide feedback directly to the assessors.