(Conyers, GA—November 25, 2015) The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) is a national organization that was formed to develop a set of law enforcement standards; and to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally-recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

The Conyers Police Department received its initial CALEA Accreditation in 2012. This is an ongoing process where the department is evaluated on a continuous basis to ensure it remains in compliance with established standards.

In July 2015, Conyers Police hosted CALEA assessors for an on-site assessment that included a public information session in which members of the public could provide comments and ask questions about the process. The assessment included an intense examination and evaluation of the operations of the department and how it met the minimum requirement of 484 standards. CALEA assessors then completed their review and reported back to the full commission who determines which agencies have met all accreditation requirements.

This was the first re-accreditation for the Conyers Police Department. It is well known throughout accredited agencies that the first re-accreditation is often the hardest to complete. It is often the hardest because you have to show where you are following policies that have been put in place on a continuous basis in an agency where the culture of being an accredited agency is still being developed and learned/practiced.

Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson, City Manager Tony Lucas, Councilman Vince Evans, Major Mike Waters, Captain Derek Parker, and Lieutenant Tanya Perry appeared before the CALEA Accreditation Review Committee for a hearing on Saturday, November 21, 2015, in Miami, Florida.

During the hearing, it was recommended that the Conyers Police Department be awarded CALEA re-accreditation. Later that evening, members were required to appear before the full Commission in order to receive the actual CALEA award letter. Chief Wilson said, “I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to all the members of the Conyers Police Department and the City of Conyers for all their hard work and dedication over the course of the past three years. This is an ongoing project that sets us apart from other police agencies. This is a goal that could not have been reached without the help and support of every member of the police department and all city employees.”

The Conyers Police Department will remain accredited until November 2019. During the time leading up to this date, the department will be required to complete various reports and analyses to show it continues to meet the requirements on an annual basis culminating with an on-site assessment scheduled during 2019 prior to the next award.

The Conyers Police Department has remained in the ranks of more than 45 law enforcement agencies in Georgia and 1,000 agencies internationally that are agencies accredited by CALEA. “This accreditation really validates that what we’re doing is up to the highest standard possible. How we continue to meet those standards is a challenge we’re confident and excited to take on.” said Chief Wilson.