BUREAU OF POLICE

Accreditation

The Accreditation Process and Re-accreditation Program was reassigned to the Technical Services Division in 1991 after having been subordinated to the Office of the Chief since 1989. The ongoing process and programs to maintain accreditation in 1994 became the additional function of the Technical Services Commander and the Resource Management Unit. The Bureau of Police was re-assessed in June 1999 and was awarded re-accreditation on July 29, 1999, at the CALEA Conference in Montreal, Canada.

Learn more about the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)…

Being an CALEA Accredited agency has numerous benefits to the citizens of Harrisburg. Some of the key benefits are listed below:

Controlled liability insurance costs
Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase police liability insurance, allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

Stronger defense against lawsuits and citizens complaints
Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them after they become accredited.

Greater accountability within the agency
Accreditation standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.

Staunch support from government officials
Accreditation embodies the precepts of community oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectation.

Increased community advocacy
Accreditation embodies the precepts of community oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.

Improved employee morale
Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices, facilities and equipment to ensure employees’ safety and processes to safeguard employees’ rights. Employees take pride in their department knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.

SUMMARY

Through Accreditation, we have voluntarily accepted the challenge to prove that the Harrisburg Bureau of Police is one of the best law enforcement agencies in the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The citizens of Harrisburg are the primary benefactors of Accreditation and should be confident knowing the Harrisburg Bureau of Police has accepted such a challenge. The achievement of Accreditation legitimized the claim that the Bureau of Police is a professional organization dedicated to the highest standards of performance and is responsible to the community it serves.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Police has taken great pride in this prestigious achievement. Currently, there are over 450 accredited agencies nationwide.