The Tulsa Police Department received its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.   The Department has been working toward its accreditation for more than two years, beginning the application process in 2003.   The accreditation process requires that the Department meet requirements of a highly regarded and broadly recognized body of law enforcement standards.   Benefits of accreditation include:

·        Stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints

Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Agencies report a decline in legal actions against them, once they become accredited. According to CALEA, agencies that are accredited experience 17% fewer lawsuits than non-accredited agencies. In those instances where liability is found, CALEA accredited agencies pay out 33% less than non-accredited agencies. 

·        Greater accountability within the agency

Accreditation standards give the Chief of Police a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.

 ·        Staunch support from government officials

Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and to meet community needs.

 ·        Increased community advocacy

Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.

    Accreditation is a continuing process.  After accreditation is awarded, an agency is required to illustrate continued compliance with standards by being re-accredited every 3 years.