20-10 ReAccreditation Press Release Media Alert
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®)
13575 Heathcote Blvd, Suite 320
Gainesville, VA 20155 USA
Tel: +1 703 352 4225
www.CALEA.org
CALEA(at)CALEA.org
Oak Brook Police Department Maintains National Law
Enforcement Accreditation by CALEA
Gainesville, VA – The Oak Brook Police Department was awarded national accreditation on
November 13, 2020 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.
(CALEA) in the Law Enforcement program. The agency was first accredited in 2012.
Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of
community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Oak
Brook Police Department Chief James Kruger and Commander Benjamin Kadolph attended the
CALEA conference virtually. Each agency being reviewed, goes before CALEA’s 21-member
Board of Commissioners where the commission reviews all findings and determines the
agencies’ accreditation status.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual CALEA Conference, where agencies are formally
reviewed and awarded in person, was taken online to a virtual format. On Friday November 13,
2020, the CALEA Commission voted to approve reaccreditation of the Oak Brook Police
Department. CALEA President Anthony Purcell and Executive Director W. Craig Hartley, Jr. will
formally award Oak Brook Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public
safety and commitment to community. This is Oak Brook’s fourth award of national accreditation.
The Oak Brook Police Department now moves into CALEA’s four-year Accreditation cycle that
includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth
year.
“National accreditation through CALEA is yet another sign to the residents of Oak Brook and the
law enforcement community of our commitment to excellence, especially in this season of law
enforcement reform,” said Chief James Kruger of the Oak Brook Police Department. “Our
officers and staff demonstrate that commitment every day and I appreciate the Commission’s
recognition of their efforts”.
In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law
enforcement organizations; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National
Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and the
Police Executive Research Forum.
The purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in
public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation
process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally
recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” said CALEA President Anthony Purcell, Chief
of Police, University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Department. “Agencies must go through a
rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy
and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek
CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s
standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should be feel confident that their
public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under the highest standards
in public safety.”
Benefits of Accreditation
Controlled Liability Insurance Costs - Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase
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 Citizen Complaints - Accredited agencies are better
able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a
decline in legal actions against them once 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 provides objective evidence of an
agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery.
Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and
meet community needs.
Increases 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
crime. This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement
and gives law enforcement 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 employee safety; and processes
to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the
very best in public safety.
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About CALEA
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created
in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive
associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black
Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the
Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety
services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners,
covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an
accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.
Specifically, CALEA’s goals are to: Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities;
Formalize essential management procedures; Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel
practices; Improve service delivery; Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and
Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.
The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented,
it presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that
promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size,
geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.
This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily
demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best
practices and approved by an all-volunteer board of commissioners.
About Oak Brook
Incorporated in 1959, the Village of Oak Brook is home to 9,000 residents, located in DuPage
and Cook Counties, Illinois. Located on the eastern edge of DuPage County with Interstates 88
and 294 traversing through its boundaries it serves nearly 80,000 visitors daily. It is home to
numerous major corporate headquarters and businesses as well as Oakbrook Center Shopping
Center. The Oak Brook Police Department is comprised of forty-one (41) sworn, eight (8)
civilian staff members and six (6) auxiliary officers providing law enforcement services for the
Village.
For further information, please contact:
Oak Brook Police Department
Sergeant Reid Foltyniewicz, PIO
Support Services Division
Tel: +1 630 368 8732
rfoltyniewicz@oak-brook.org
CALEA
Travis Parrish
Tel: +1 703 352 4225 x39
tparrish@calea.org