The Training Bureau of the New York City Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will arrive on August 27, 2006 to examine all aspects of the Training Bureau of the New York City Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Deputy Commissioner for Training Charles De Rienzo announced today.

"Verification by the team that the Training Bureau meets the Commission's professional standards will result in a confirmation hearing to be held at the November CALEA meeting. If accredited, the Training Bureau of the New York City Police Department will be only the third municipal police training institution to obtain this accreditation. The on-site assessment is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation—a highly prized recognition of law enforcement training professional excellence," Deputy Commissioner De Rienzo said.

The visiting assessment team is composed of law enforcement and training academy practitioners from similar but out-of-state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and training facilities where compliance can be witnessed. In addition, agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, by calling (212) 477-9208 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Training Bureau’s ability to comply with CALEA’s training standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Policy and Planning Unit located at the Police Academy. Local contact is Sergeant Kevin Riker at (212) 477-9741.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Training Bureau’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030-2215.