The New Albany Police Department is in the third year of a three year voluntary process to gain national accreditation, which is a highly prized recognition of public safety professional experience. As part of the process, a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on Tuesday, July 16^th, to examine all aspects of the NAPD’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

Part of this evaluation includes a Public Hearing beginning at 4 pm in Council Chambers, located in Village Hall at 99 W. Main Street in New Albany. Members of the public are invited to offer comments about the New Albany Police Department during this time.

If a person cannot attend this Public Hearing, but wants to provide comments to the assessment team, they can also call (614) 939-4016, or (614) 939-4017 from 1-3 pm on July 16^th. All comments, whether on the phone or in person, will be limited to ten minutes and must address the New Albany Police Department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the New Albany Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards of accreditation may send those comments directly to the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Once the assessors complete their review of the department, they will report back to the full commission, which will decide whether the NAPD will be granted CALEA accreditation. If accreditation is granted, it will last for four years, during which the department must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with CALEA standards.

The NAPD must comply with 181 standards in order to gain accredited status. The New Albany Police Department is excited about completing their accreditation process and thankful for everyone who decides to participate in the July 16^th Public Hearing, call-in session, or writes directly to CALEA. Public support is vital to the NAPD’s day-to-day operations, and it is also a large component in attaining and maintaining accredited status. Anyone with questions about the accreditation process, or anyone who would like a copy of the standards the NAPD must meet, can contact Officer Joe Catanese at 614-855-5018.