Accreditation team finishes examination of Peel Regional Police

PEEL, Aug. 24 /CNW/– A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) spent five days from Sunday, August 14th, 2005, to Thursday, August 18th, 2005, conducting an examination of all aspects of the Peel Regional Police policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

In November 1994, Peel Regional Police became Ontario's first CALEA accredited police service. In 1999, and again in 2002, Peel was re-accredited by CALEA, joining more than 942 law enforcement agencies internationally. This year's process will confirm the department's continued compliance with more than 400 standards. Verification by the team that Peel Regional Police have continued to meet the Commission's state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation - a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. "By undergoing this rigorous inspection from the Commission, Peel Regional Police can document to the citizens of this Region that their police service is among the finest in this country," said Chief Catney.

The CALEA assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies, who review written materials; interview individuals; and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once the Commission's assessors complete their review, they will report back to the full Commission, who will then decide if the agency is to be re-accredited.

The CALEA assessment team included Major William D. Munday, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, (Raleigh, North Carolina); Lieutenant Hassan Aden, Alexandria Police Department, (Alexandria, Virginia); and Commander Jean Marc Duguay, Broward County Sheriff's Office, (Fort Lauderdale, Florida).

On Thursday, August 18th, 2005, the CALEA assessment team, prior to their departure, held a debriefing meeting with members of the Chief's Management Group. During the meeting Major Munday stated, "I am very pleased to be here in the Region of Peel and have the opportunity to participate in this process with your organization. After completing our review, it is quite evident to our assessment team that the Peel Regional Police is committed to this process. I found all the members that participated in the interviews to be professional, knowledgeable and proud to play an integral part in ensuring that these 446 standards are achieved."

For further information: Frederick Biro, Executive Director 905-458-1340.