Accreditation and Recognition

These voluntary processes require the Cedar Park Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities & operations. After obtaining and maintaining Recognized Law Enforcement Agency status in 2011, the Cedar Park Police Department entered a self-assessment with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2016.  During the self-assessment period, the agency prepared proof of compliance for each of the Tier 1 standards.  Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review were conducted by trained assessors from across the United States. The result of this review was then sent to the CALEA commission, and we were formally awarded Accredited Status with CALEA on May 4th, 2019.

We are one of the few municipal cities to boast Dual Accredited Status!

Each year, the Cedar Park Police Department submits paperwork confirming our commitment to the recognition and accreditation programs, and every 4 years an in-depth re-assessment or re-recognition takes place. These annual reports and audits ensure we continue to meet the highest State and National standards as promulgated by the Texas Police Chief’s Association (TPCA) and CALEA.

The Accreditation and Recognition processes are managed by our Accreditation and Compliance Coordinator, Jennet Sullivan.

Best Practices Recognition Program

Established in 2006, the Accreditation Program evaluates a Police Department's compliance with 170 best business practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual rights. While similar in nature to the national accreditation program, the Best Practices Recognition Program is designed specifically for Texas Law Enforcement. The Texas Legislature demands a great deal of professional law enforcement in Texas and the Best Practices were specifically designed to aid Texas agencies in meeting those demands and providing the best quality of service to the people of our State. These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

Since 2011 the Cedar Park Police Department has remained in compliance and holds the award of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices Accreditation Program.

Law Enforcement Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations:

• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
• Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

The CALEA Accreditation programs provide public safety agencies with an opportunity to voluntarily meet an established set of professional standards, which require:

• Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities
• Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions.
• Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents
• Community relationship-building and maintenance
• Independent review by subject matter experts
• Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures

In 2019 the Cedar Park Police Department received the award of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. We received our 2^nd award in 2023.