Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA)

The Charles Town Police Department was awarded the Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) on July 23, 2022 First Award.  This award remains in effect for four years and the agency retains all privileges associated with this status during that period.  This recognition has been achieved by only three law enforcement agencies in West Virginia. 

The process of CALEA Accreditation begins with a rigorous self-assessment, requiring a review of policies, practices, and processes against internationally accepted public safety standards. This is followed with an assessment by independent assessors with significant public safety experience. Additionally, public feedback is received to promote community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with select agency personnel and others with knowledge to assess the agency’s effectiveness and overall service delivery capacities. The decision to accredit is rendered by a governing body of twenty-one Commissioners following a public hearing and review of all reporting documentation.

CALEA Accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency. To this end, an agency must maintain its accredited status by remaining in compliance with CALEA standards at all times.

The CALEA Public Portal provides access to the public as an opportunity for comments, commendations, and other information regarding Charles Town Police Department’s quality of service or other information relevant to the accreditation process. The portal is independently maintained by CALEA to gather information regarding the accreditation or reaccreditation process.