You Can Weigh in on Avon Police Department's CALEA Re-Accreditation Qualification

Avon community members and police department employees are invited to give statements by phone or in person in April about the Avon Police Department's "ability to comply with CALEA accreditation standards," police announced in a press release Sunday.

The department, which was last accredited in 2010, is applying for re-accreditation, which includes an on-site evaluation scheduled for April 7 to 10. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) administers the process and will "review and verify" the police department's "continuing efforts to maintain International Law Enforcement Accreditation" during its visit, according to the press release.

"Accreditation requires agencies to comply with contemporary standards relating to policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services," Avon police said in a statement.

CALEA awarded the Avon Police Department on March 27, 2010 with a Flagship Award for Service Excellence and Professionalism and meritorious accreditation. The department marked in the 93rd percentile for well maintained and accurate files.

Part of the on-site assessment includes feedback from employees and residents. On April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m., the public can "offer comments" by calling 860-409-4212. Parties who wish to provide commentary in person can do so at a public hearing at the Avon Senior Center (635 West Avon Rd.) on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Comments will be limited to 10 minutes per person and should address the department's "ability to comply with CALEA accreditation standards," according to the press release.

The standards are available for review in the police department lobby at 60 West Main St. If you have questions, you may contact Avon police Capt. Jeffrey Blatter, the department's accreditation manager, at 860-409-4216 or jblatter@town.avon.ct.us.

Members of the public can also submit written comments online at www.calea.org or by mail addressed to:

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA)
13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 32
Gainesville, Virginia 20155