Hopefully Evesham’s CALEA status is decided by November

The Evesham Township Police Department is anxiously waiting for November, as the department will find out the ruling of its CALEA status at a national conference for the organization.

In the spring a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., arrived in the township on April 30 and examined all aspects of the Evesham Township Police Department’s Policy and Procedures, management, operations and support services.

A CALEA certification is widely considered as a benchmark for top law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. It’s an honor to be recognized but would also help to control premium costs for the township’s Joint Insurance Fund, township representatives have previously said.

Lt. Walt Miller said a contingent of officers will attend the national convention and will learn of the police department’s fate during that day. The CALEA certifications are only held twice a year, Miller said.

“We’re pretty confident about our standing,” he said.

According to the CALEA agency, departments that are awarded the certification receive more support from government officials and have a stronger defense against civil lawsuits. The agency also reported that departments that have the certification typically see reduced risk and liability exposure.

The department has been gearing up for a run at its CALEA certification for the past year.

When CALEA officials came into the township for the inspection of the department in April, the officials looked at the practices and polices that were already in place. They also participated in ride-alongs with officer. For the past year the department had been documenting everything at the department for the inspection.

Departments that have the prestigious certification also open themselves up to more grant opportunities and revenue streams then departments without the certification, representatives previously reported.