Accreditation

The Fairfield Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The standards established by CALEA assure the community that its police department meets specific criteria established by a national governing body overseen by law enforcements, business and government leaders.

Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes excellence and a commitment to continual improvement. Fairfield can take pride in its police department, knowing that it represents the very best in police service.

"Our vision is to be recognized as The Standard for police service by our peers and community," said Chief Mike Dickey. "Accreditation is not an award to be framed and forgotten. It requires continuous accountability to our community and our profession."

CALEA has established 463 standards provide guidance in nine areas:

Law enforcement role, responsibilities and relationships.
Organization, management and administration, including training.
Personnel structure, including recruitment, selection and evaluation.
Law enforcement operations, including investigations and special operations.
Operations support including records, communications, property, evidence.
Traffic operations.
Prisoner and court-related activities.
Auxiliary and technical services.

The Fairfield Police Department was initially accredited in 2003, however, the process is continuing. During this period, agencies desiring to remain accredited must submit annual reports that document continuing compliance with standards. Every three years, the agency must also submit to an inspection by assessors who spend four days on-site conducting a thorough review of the agency's activities.

In April 2009, an assessment team conducted an inspection to insure continuing compliance with standards. The assessors spent four days reviewing the police department's proof of compliance for each of the standards. As part of their review, the assessors interviewed many of the employees, held a public hearing for input from the community, and observed many of the activities of individual employees. Their report was reviewed by the Commission which approved the third award of accreditation in July 2009.