The Sioux City Police Department is a fully accredited agency by the National Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations, and it is reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated excellence in leadership, resource management, and service delivery. Only 4% of the law enforcement agencies in the United States, and less than 13% in Iowa have attained the accreditation status from CALEA.

The Sioux City Police Department first achieved accreditation by CALEA in 1995 and has been re-accredited 9 times. Following a rigorous assessment by the nation’s leading law enforcement accreditation agency, the Sioux City Police Department’s accreditation was renewed in July 2022, achieving Advanced Accreditation status.

CALEA accreditation is a continuous process that runs in four-year cycles. As part of the re-accreditation process, the Sioux City Police Department undergoes a full remote-based assessment of all policies and practices for the first three years of the cycle. In the fourth year, CALEA assessment team conducts an onsite evaluation to ensure the agency is complying with over 460 internationally recognized CALEA standards that guide professional excellence and provide best practices related to life, health, and safety procedures. The accreditation process provides the framework for addressing high risk issues in a contemporary environment, and ensures officers are prepared to meet community service expectations and manage critical events. Accreditation is only granted after intensive review of every aspect of the Police Department's organization, management, and operations to assure that the department is providing the high level of service following professional law enforcement standards.

Accreditation Public Comment Portal

The purpose of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.

IMPORTANT: CALEA is not an investigatory body and subsequently the public portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes.  Additionally, there will be no response other than acknowledgement to submissions; however, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with standards and the tenets of CALEA® Accreditation.  

To submit a comment to CALEA about the Sioux City Police Department, click the button or follow this link: https://cimrs2.calea.org/917

Benefits of Accreditation

Controlled Liability Insurance Costs - Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints - Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.

Greater Accountability Within the Agency - Accreditation standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.

Staunch Support from Government Officials - Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery. Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.

Increases Community Advocacy - Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps citizens understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.

Improved Employee Morale - Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.

Updated December 16, 2024