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Abstract
This research and descriptive study focused on the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies that is responsible for accrediting law enforcement agencies in the United States and a few foreign countries and territories.
The research methods consisted of oral history questions and content analysis of agency records, reports, minutes and newsletters. Seven research questions were subsequently answered by interview responses and document content analysis: (1) What were the salient historical events that led to the creation of CALEA? (2) What are the stated purposes of CALEA? (3) What have been the evaluation standards endorsed by CALEA? (4) What were the organizational challenges faced by CALEA? (5) What is the perceived effectiveness of CALEA? (6) To what extent has CALEA promoted the professionalization of police work? (7) To what extent are the findings from the interviews consistent with published research findings?
Eighteen law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners were personally interviewed, based on their knowledge and experiences about CALEA and the law enforcement accreditation process. Each interviewee gave informative and insightful responses to the questions as the majority were involved in the creation of CALEA in 1979. The majority of archive records were in the possession of CALEA, and they represented many specific pieces of information which were helpful in answering the research questions.
Collectively, the interview responses and content analysis of various documents provided substantial support for the effectiveness of CALEA and its impact on American policing. Further, this study of CALEA encompasses the most comprehensive review since its inception 22 years ago. It examined the forces that led up to the formation of CALEA and the specific roles performed by its four founding agencies: the International Association of Chiefs of Police; National Sheriff's Association; Police Executive Research Forum; and, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
The CALEA organization and law enforcement accreditation process experienced major challenges since its inception. It has evolved into a powerful influence in reshaping police practices and instituting reform measures in American policing. The future of law enforcement is much brighter as the result of CALEA's contributions to the professionalization of police, both in the United States and other parts of the world.
