Growls

The Arlington Sun-Gazette reported yesterday the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will no longer participate in the accreditation program of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Scott McCaffrey writes:

“A quarter-century ago, the Arlington County Police Department was among the first in the nation to receive formal, national accreditation. But the department won't be participating in the program going forward.

“Government officials have decided not to seek re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The organization first accredited the police department in 1984, making the Arlington police the second law enforcement agency in the nation to gain its seal of approval.”

A fact sheet, available from the police department, said “The accreditation process requires a heavy commitment of staff time and County resources,” e.g., submission of annual reports that show compliance, and other costs for processes “not integral to improving public safety services.” When comparing costs and benefits, the department found that accreditation “yields few tangible benefits for the department or the County.” How will taxpayers benefit? “ Personnel savings will be used to hire a Court Liaison to enhance coordination with the County’s General District Court and Circuit Court.”

If the Police Chief sees little benefit in continued CALEA accreditation, taxpayers may want to ask their favorite County Board member how taxpayers benefit from the many other accreditations. For example, what are the costs and what are the benefits of having county bonds rated by three separate rating agencies, i.e., Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch’s?