Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (02/16/2023) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONAL ORDER
Subject: ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION
Index as:
Accreditation , CALEA, and CFA
Annual Compliance Review (CALEA)
CALE A
CALEA Accreditation
CFA
CFA Accreditation
Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA)
Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies , Inc. (CALEA)
Compliance Service Manager (CSM)
Compliance Service Manager (CSM) Annual Review
CSM
Excelsior Recognition, CFA
On-site Assessment
Mock On -site Assessment
Public Safety Communications Accreditation
Re-accreditation
Self-assessment Process
Site-based Assessment
Accreditation Standards: CALEA 33.5.3 , 45.2.3
CALEA COMM 1.2.10, 2.6.8, 5.2.9, 5.2.13
CFA 3.02, 3.03
Cross Reference: Accreditation Unit SOP I -01, Accreditation Unit - Organization and Authority
Accreditation Unit SOP II -01, Accreditation
Replaces : I.O. V.5:30, Law Enforcement A ccreditation ( March 12,2019 )
This Order consists of the following sections:
I. Purpose
II. Policy
III. Definitions
IV. Law Enforcement Accreditation History
V. Goals and Benefits of Accreditation
VI. SPPD Accreditation History
VII. Accreditation Process
VIII. Accreditation Training
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
February 2023 Immediately V.5:30
Distribution: All Employees
Instructional Order V.5:30
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (02/16/2023 ) I. PURPOSE
A. The purpose of this O rder is to familiarize all Department employees with the accreditation processes administered
by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies , Inc. (CALEA) and the Commission for Florida Law
Enforcement Accredit ation (CFA).
II. POLICY
A. It is the policy of the St. Petersburg Police Department to pursue professional excellence by participating in the
accreditation processes administered by CALEA and CFA and adhere to all applicable accreditation standards.
B. The Department participates in the following accreditation programs:
1. CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation
2. CALEA Public Safety Communications
3. CFA Law Enforcement Accreditation , CORE Program
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Accreditation – A process by which an agency or institution meets a body of professional standards
B. CALEA – Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.
C. CFA – Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.
D. Excelsior Recognition, CFA – A program for Florida criminal justice agencies which have demonstrated an
exceptional commitment to the Florida accreditation process. It is awarded to an agency that:
1. Has been awarded five successful reaccreditation cycles by the Com mission; and
2. No conditions were assessed by the Commission.
E. Meritorious Award – The recognition of CALEA accredited agencies that have been accredited for fifteen ( 15) or
more continuous years. These agencies receive an enhanced Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation, displaying a blue
“Meritorious” ribbon and an inscription proclaiming fifteen ( 15) or more years of accredited status.
F. Mock On -site Assessment – A stringent, but voluntary, quality control review by knowledgeable practitioners acting
in the role of assessors. Mock assessments can involve assessors from outside agencies or use agency personnel. The
Department utilizes both external and internal mock assessments to ensure the quality of its accreditation files.
G. Public Safety Communications Accreditatio n Program – A voluntary program to promote superior public safety
communications services and to recognize professional excellence by establishing standards derived from the best
practices of professional public safety communications agencies and then implementing a pr ocess that verifies that these
standards are met.
H. Re-accreditation – A process by which an agency or institution continues its accredited status by maintaining
compliance with all applicable standards and the submission of reports to the accrediting bodie s. At the conclusion of each
assessment cycle , the accrediting body conducts another on -site assessment to ensure the agency’s compliance was
maintained.
I. Self-assessment Process – A thorough self -examination by the agency, prior to the on -site assessment, to
determine whether it complies with all applicable standards. The agency prepares forms, develops proo fs of compliance,
and assembles material s to be reviewed by assessors.
Instructional Order V.5:30
Revisions or additions are highlighted 3 (02/16/2023 ) J. Site-based Assessment – The official review of an agency by a team of trained assessors appointed by either
CALEA or CFA. Acting as representatives of the accrediting body, the assessors visit the agency to review and verify
compliance with the applicable standards and require d on -site activities. Typically included is a building tour, staff
introductions, a review of the accreditation files, interviews with Department staff and other stakeholders, and an exit
interview with the Chief of Police. Assessors may visit any area of the Department, inspect records, interview personnel ,
and participate in ride -alongs.
IV. LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION