Sandy Springs Police Prepare For Accreditation Review

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The Sandy Springs Police Department will soon host a team of law enforcement professionals from around the country who will be assessing all aspects of the department’s police operations and management.

Members of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., or CALEA, are making the three day-long visit at the end of March, as part of a periodic process to determine if the department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards to receive its national accreditation.

“The upcoming assessment serves as a vital recognition of our continuous effort to be the best,” said Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone. “Our goals are set so that Sandy Springs police will continue to be the example that other departments follow.”

The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar out-of-state agencies, who will lead the assessment of the Sandy Springs Police Department’s operations. The assessors are: Captain Chris Smith of Kokomo Police Department in Indiana and Captain Bradley Fraser of North Carolina’s Shelby Police Department.

The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, who will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.

As part of the assessment, a public information and comment session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 30 at Sandy Springs Municipal Court, located at 7840 Roswell Road Suite 500.

During the session, Sandy Springs residents and other interested individuals will be encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on public safety issues and the service provided by Sandy Springs police. Those who are able to participate in the public hearing are asked to arrive at court by 6:30 p.m.

Those who cannot attend the session, but would like to provide comment may do so via telephone on Monday, March 30 between 10:30 a.m. and noon calling 770-551-3334.

Written comments may also be submitted to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 22030-2215.

Individual telephone comments, as well as those provided at the public information session, are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the applicable CALEA standards.

A copy of the standards is available for review at the Sandy Springs Police Department or by visiting www.calea.org. Residents can also visit CALEA’s website for more information on the professional standards, or the assessment process, please visit www.calea.org.

Photo credit: Sandy Springs Police Department