Crime & Safety
Downers Grove Police Department Receives Prestigious Award
Police chief Shanon Gillette said of the honor, "The commitment to excellence is a part of our culture."
DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove Police Department recently received a double honor when it was given the Gold Standard Accreditation with Excellence from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for the 15th consecutive time. The department's milestone achievement earned it the organization's Meritorious Award, which puts it in an elite group of accredited departments.
Only 4 percent of U.S. police departments earn accreditation through CALEA, according to a village press release. For the department to earn accreditation with excellence, in addition to the Meritorious Award is a rare feat.
The announcement also earned the department praise from village officials. Police Chief Shanon Gillette thanked his team and said, "The commitment to excellence is a part of our culture."
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On Twitter, Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully praised the police force for its "exceptional work."
Congratulations to Village of Downers Grove, Illinois -Municipal Government Police Chief Shanon Gillette and his staff for the exceptional work that has allowed the Department... https://t.co/3uquSnDs39
— Martin T. Tully (@MayorTully) March 27, 2018
CALEA was founded in 1979 to set up standards of performance to help law enforcement manage operations fairly and consistency and to boost community and team morale. The first CLEA Accreditation Award was given in 1984.
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