U.S. Capitol Police Achieves Gold Standard Accreditation for Best Law Enforcement Practices

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) has again been recognized as a premier police department by receiving its sixth consecutive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA is the leading credentialing authority to improve public safety services across the country.

Chief Matthew R. Verderosa and Assistant Chief Steven A. Sund accepted the Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation with Excellence, Meritorious Award on behalf of the Department on November 18, 2017, at the annual CALEA Conference.

As part of the reaccreditation process, the Department demonstrated its compliance with 484 law enforcement standards that spanned policies, procedures, operations, and administrative services. Along with its reaccreditation, the U.S. Capitol Police also received CALEA's Gold Standard – the highest rating a law enforcement agency can receive during the evaluation process. The Gold Standard distinguishes agencies who demonstrate strong organizational health. In addition, the USCP was recognized for having been accredited for 15 or more continuous years with the enhanced Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation.

"CALEA accreditation is the highest rating that a law enforcement agency can receive," said Chief Verderosa. "Achieving our sixth consecutive accreditation along with the designation of Gold Standard for Excellence, is a testament to the professionalism of our workforce and our commitment to our mission to serve and protect Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment. This was truly a team effort and I want to thank our entire Department for their efforts each and every day."

The feedback received from the CALEA assessment team was very complimentary of the U.S. Capitol Police. They specifically noted the Department's efforts to build great working relationships both inside and outside the organization, its efforts to recruit and retain highly-training professionals, and the obvious pride its employees take in working for Congress and for the American people.

CALEA accreditation status is granted for four years. Agencies voluntarily participate in the program to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in law enforcement. The CALEA assessment team is comprised of law enforcement professionals who review written materials, interview individuals, and visit police facilities where compliance can be observed.

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