MIDDLETOWN— The Connecticut State Police was awarded national accreditation on March 21, 2020, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in the Law Enforcement program. The agency was first accredited in 1988.

Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Connecticut State Police earned reaccreditation for the 10th time.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual CALEA Conference hearings and banquet, where agencies are formally awarded, had to be canceled. Agencies did however go before the commission in an online webinar format. On Saturday, March 21, the CALEA Commission voted to approve reaccreditation of Connecticut State Police. CALEA President Anthony Purcell and Executive Director W. Craig Hartley, Jr. will formally award Connecticut State Police with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to community. This is Connecticut State Police’s tenth award of national accreditation.

“This award of accreditation confirms that we have met the highest standards of law enforcement in the country. Since our founding in 1903 as the first state police agency in the United States, we have always boasted the finest Troopers who protect the public around the clock,” said Colonel Stavros Mellekas, Commanding Officer of the State Police.

“Within our state, hundreds of Troopers patrol our roads, solve crimes and teach crime prevention. Their dedication and commitment to duty is second to none. The men and women of the Connecticut State Police should wear the badge with pride,” Colonel Stavros noted.

The Connecticut State Police, founded in 1903, is the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Connecticut. More than 900 Troopers from eleven barracks and dedicated units patrol more than 7,000 miles of roadway and serve as the primary law enforcement agency for 80 towns in Connecticut, totaling 2,600 square miles. The agency has a variety of specialized resources which enhance the ability of Troopers to investigate and solve crimes as well as assist local, state and federal agencies. The goal of the CSP is to deter and solve crime, promote highway safety and build relationships with the community through professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and equality.

In 1979, the Commission on Accreditation was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.

The purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” said CALEA President Anthony Purcell, Chief of Police, University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Department. “Agencies must go through a rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should be feel confident that their public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under the highest standards in public safety.”

Benefits of Accreditation

Controlled Liability Insurance Costs — Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints — Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.

Greater Accountability Within the Agency — Accreditation standards give the Chief Executive Officer 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 meet community needs.

Increases 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 crime. This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.

Improved Employee Morale — Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.