The Columbus Police Department continued its re-accreditation process this week when assessors from CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) arrived in Columbus for an on-site visit. Over the course of three days, the assessors toured the police department and met with officers from the patrol and investigations divisions. A call in session and public hearing was also held so that members of the community could have the opportunity to speak to the assessors.

Columbus Police Chief Jonathan Rohde stated “As an accredited law enforcement agency, our officers continue to adhere to internationally recognized best practices. This voluntary third party oversight that CALEA provides also assures the public that our department continues to operate in a professional and transparent manner.”

CPD says that the assessors will submit their completed reports to the Commission and representatives from the Columbus Police Department will speak before a panel consisting of 20-30 law enforcement agencies later this year. The department will undergo the re-accreditation process every four years, which department officials say includes continuous monitoring and a yearly assessment to ensure the department’s compliance. The Columbus Police Department has been an accredited law enforcement agency since 2014.