The California Highway Patrol's communications centers – which answer approximately seven million 911 calls per year – have been formally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) under the Public Safety Communications Agencies Accreditation Program.
“The CHP received this prestigious award after ensuring our policies and procedures meet or exceed standards set by law enforcement professionals from across the nation,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to public safety and means that CHP’s 911 call centers meet national standards of excellence.”
To meet accreditation standards, the CHP implemented a statewide quality assurance program for its 25 communications center.
Supervisors review audio tapes of 911 calls and analyze performance according to several performance measurements, including the dispatcher’s speech, prioritizing of information, and accuracy documenting calls.
Dispatchers receive constructive feedback and are given an opportunity for self-assessment.
By receiving accreditation for its communications centers, the CHP became one of the first two agencies in California to receive the CALEA TRI-ARC award, which recognizes concurrent accreditation for law enforcement, public safety communications, and public safety training activities.
The CHP was awarded initial accreditation in 2010 and was reaccredited in 2013, the same year the CHP Academy in West Sacramento was also accredited.
CALEA was established in 1979 as a law enforcement credentialing authority through the joint efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum. To maintain accreditation, CHP must undergo a comprehensive assessment every three years.
For more information on accreditation process and the CALEA TRI-ARC Award visit www.calea.org .
CHP's 911 call centers receive national accreditation
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On