CALEA Accreditation demonstrates commitment to excellence

The Forsyth County 911 Center was awarded the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Public Safety Communications Accreditation during the regional CALEA Conference held November 5, 2016. This accomplishment was recognized by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners at their meeting December 15, 2016.

The primary mission of CALEA is to accredit public safety agencies, including communications centers, by using a national body of standards developed by law enforcement professionals. The process of becoming CALEA accredited is comprised of five phases: enrollment, self-assessment, on-site assessment, commission review and decision, and maintaining compliance. During the on-site assessment phase that took place in June, a team of assessors visited the 911 Center to examine all aspects of the center’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. As part of the assessment, agency personnel and members of the community were also invited to offer comments via telephone or mail. The 911 Center will maintain their accreditation through 2020, at which time they may re-enroll in the accreditation process.

“I am profoundly proud of the 911 Center employees and their dedication to making it possible for our Center to achieve such a prestigious recognition,” said 911 Center Director Patricia Giordano.

CALEA Accreditation strengthens an agency’s accountability, both within the agency and the community, and can limit a communications center’s liability and risk exposure by demonstrating that standards for public safety communications are met.