MARTA Police Earn Gold Standard of Excellence Designation

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The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recently awarded the MARTA Police Department with its Gold Standard of Excellence, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a law enforcement agency.

This is the department’s seventh re-accreditation after being initially accredited in 1996.

The designation is awarded to law enforcement agencies that demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence in policy and practice.

“The MARTA Police Department continues to garner accolades under the effective and strong leadership of Chief Wanda Dunham,” said Chief Administrative Officer Edward L. Johnson. “Receiving this recognition is a testament to the commitment MPD has to its customers.”

During the CALEA onsite visit in August, MARTA police scored 100 percent in complying with and execution of the following standards: use of force, training, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence, budget, bias-based profiling and emergency preparedness.

This is the second consecutive assessment cycle in which the department has achieved a perfect score. As part of this process, evaluators also consult with the police department’s staff, other MARTA employees, peer agencies and the Authority’s stakeholders, which include community and business leaders and customers.

“Earning the Gold Standard of Excellence is a time-intensive and rigorous process that requires coordination and execution,” said Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. “Sgt. Greg Gamble, who serves as the department’s accreditation manager, and the men and women of the MARTA Police Department were invaluable to our success in achieving this goal.”

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