TPD is a CALEA Accredited Agency
The Tulsa Police Department received its initial accreditation from
the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in
2005. The Tulsa Police Departments 911 Communications
received their initial accreditation in 2016. 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 4 years.