FMPD Awarded CALEA Re-Accreditation

On Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Schaumburg, Illinois the internationally-recognized Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) granted the Fort Myers Police Department with its second Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation award. The department earned its initial accreditation award in July 2011. FMPD was one of more than 75 agencies at the event to receive an international accreditation award, a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.

In April 2014, two CALEA assessors conducted an on-site assessment of the Fort Myers Police Department. The assessors spent four days reviewing all accreditation files, interviewing employees, examining the department’s policies and procedures, conducting officer ride alongs, reviewing crime statistics and other data, and inspecting the various bureaus and divisions. The purpose of the assessment was to determine whether the police department maintained compliance with the almost 500 applicable standards throughout the previous three year period. FMPD’s accreditation team consists of Lieutenant William Musante of the Professional Standards Bureau and Senior Staff Assistant Maureen Buice.

“Our re-accreditation confirms the commitment we made three years ago to continually improve all our services in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the citizens visiting and living in the City of Fort Myers,” said Chief Douglas Baker. “CALEA holds us accountable to the highest standards possible in our profession. It assures the community that we are who we say we are in our delivery of services, policies and procedures.”

In its 28-page report, the on-site assessment team concluded that the Fort Myers Police Department met all mandatory standards. Furthermore, there were no non-compliance issues and the agency was in compliance with 97% of optional or other than mandatory standards. The CALEA accreditation is valid for three years, at which time FMPD will apply for a review and re-accreditation.