Law Enforcement Accreditation

The Naperville Police Department is an internationally accredited law enforcement agency. Successful accreditation makes a statement to residents, law enforcement colleagues and other professionals that the Naperville Police Department meets the very highest standards. The agency was first accredited in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) law enforcement program on Nov. 21, 1992 and received re-accreditation status for the 9th time in 2020. In addition, our Communications Section has been accredited through CALEA since July 28, 2001 and received its 7th accreditation award in 2020.

How are we doing?

CALEA would like to know what you think about our department’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement with the community, delivery of services and overall candidacy for accredited status.

Provide your feedback about NPD now

CALEA would like to know what you think about our communications section's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement with the community, delivery of services and overall candidacy for accredited status.

Provide your feedback about PSAP now

Standards

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) is an international program founded by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Sheriff's Association (NSA), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The Commission has developed a comprehensive set of written standards covering every aspect of law enforcement and communications policies, procedures, practices and operations. These standards were designed to:

  • Increase law enforcement agency capabilities to prevent and control crime
  • Increase agency effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of law enforcement services
  • Increase cooperation with other law enforcement agencies
  • Increase employee and citizen confidence in the goals, objectives, policies and practices of the accredited agencies
  • Reduce liability to the municipality by requiring an up-to-date policy manual reflecting the best professional practices in law enforcement
  • Hold the agency accountable by regular onsite inspections and Commission review

The Naperville Police Department must comply with the Commission’s 484 law enforcement standards and 212 Communications standards in order to achieve accreditation. Because this process is so rigorous, only 3% of law enforcement agencies nationwide choose to become accredited. It is a highly valued mark of professional excellence for an agency to voluntarily participate in CALEA.

Benefits

  • Accreditation demonstrates the commitment of the agency to professionalism in the law enforcement field.
  • Accreditation assures the community that its law enforcement agency is committed to the provision of services of the highest quality, and that its policies and procedures are effective, responsive, and up-to-date.
  • Accreditation commits the agency to a broad range of programs of direct benefit to the public (e.g., community crime prevention) as well as policies and procedures to cope with man-made or natural disasters.
  • Accreditation promotes community cooperation and understanding.

Learn More about Accreditation

The public can learn more about CALEA and the accreditation process by visiting CALEA's website.