Joliet Police Receive High Honor

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) held hearings July 25 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to review assessment reports of almost 100 different law enforcement agencies from across the nation, according to a release from the City of Joliet.

For the past few months, a team of CALEA Assessors conducted both off-site file reviews and on-site observations and interviews to assist the panel in their assessment of the police department. Their findings werecompiled into a final report that was submitted to the full commission for review.

Less than 7 percent of all law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are accredited through CALEA. Of the 7 percent accredited, only approximately 4 percent of those have received the highest distinction possible, the Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation, Gold Standard Award with Excellence. Chief Brian Benton testified during the hearings where he learned that the commission awarded the Joliet Police Department with this prestigious honor.

“I am so proud of the men and women of the Joliet Police Department for all that they do to display the highest level of professionalism and service to our community,” Benton said. “I would also like to thank the CALEA organization for their commitment to excellence in the field of policing.”

Joliet has been accredited since 2003. While the process is ongoing and requires regular documentation of compliance with the benchmark standards, the on-site assessments take place every three years.