BART PD gains prestigious accreditation

The BART Police Department has officially been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).  BART PD is now the 17th internationally accredited agency in California.  Fewer than 6% of law enforcement agencies in the nation are accredited through CALEA.

“This is a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence,” said BART Interim Police Chief Ed Alvarez.  “Accreditation is a process, not a destination.  We look at it as an opportunity to continue to improve as well as to remain on the cutting edge of law enforcement best practices.”

The review team looked at BPD’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services.  All told, BPD had to prove compliance with nearly 400 standards.  Accreditation means we meet or exceed best practices for law enforcement set forth by the commission. 

The accreditation caps a process that extended over many years.  Then National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) final report issued in 2010 recommended that BART seek this accreditation.  NOBLE conducted a top-to-bottom review of BPD after the tragic shooting death of Oscar Grant in 2009. 

The comprehensive review of BPD by CALEA included an on-site review in late January.  While here, the CALEA team conducted facility inspections, interviewed staff, and gathered public input.

You can learn more about CALEA by visiting their website at www.CALEA.org.