"A CALEA accreditation for our communications operations will shine an even bigger spotlight on the CHP as one of the most recognized and respected law enforcement agencies with some of the best dispatchers in the world."  -CSLEA Sr. Vice President, CHP-PSDA President Tina Brazil

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced it  is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), for its communications operations.

"This is a very big deal," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA)  Sr. Vice President & CHP-Public Safety Dispatchers Association President Tina Brazil.  "I am proud of Commander DeeDee Teel  and her Communications Center Support Services team.  They have worked very hard to make this happen.  It's a very detailed process."

CHP public safety dispatchers are truly first responders.  They take on an astronomical number of 9-1-1 calls for service,  including most of the wireless calls in the state.  Their training and professionalism in handling one emergency after another lead to a  Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) accreditation within the last year.

“The communication centers are the front lines of public safety and service, our dispatchers working in these facilities are fielding the vast majority of wireless 9-1-1 calls in the state,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The accreditation process for our communications unit is another excellent opportunity for the public to provide feedback about our operations as we continue to promote transparency and accountability while striving to improve our organization.”

Receiving a CALEA accreditation  is not only prestigious, it is a highly prized recognition of professionalism and excellence in public safety.

"A CALEA accreditation for our communications operations will shine an even bigger spotlight on the CHP as one of the most recognized and respected law enforcement agencies with some of the best dispatchers in the world, " said Brazil.

"I congratulate our CSLEA members who are CHP public safety dispatchers for their outstanding public safety work , " said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "Just the fact that the communications unit is going through this accreditation process reflects brightly on the valuable work they perform so professionally."

To obtain initial accreditation, the CHP will undergo a thorough assessment process. Verification by an assessment team from other states will ensure the CHP meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

As part of its bid for accreditation, members of the public are invited to offer comments to the CALEA assessment team via telephone. A public call-in period will take place from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on August 12, 2014.  Members of the public wishing to comment may call (916) 843-3325, during this time period. Comments should be limited to the Department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards and focus on its communications functions.

A copy of the standards will be made available at the CHP Headquarters, 601 North 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. Persons wishing to offer written comments about the CHP’s ability to meet  the accreditation standards may write to CALEA, at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainsville, VA 20155.