[Archived] Alexandria Department of Emergency Communications Invites Public Comment During Initial Accreditation Process

For Immediate Release: December 7, 2017

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will receive public comment in conjunction with a visit to Alexandria for an on-site assessment of the City’s Department of Emergency Communications (DEC). The assessment, which is part of the initial Public Safety Communications accreditation process, will take place December 10-13. 

CALEA’s Public Safety Communications Accreditation program requires agencies to comply with internationally recognized standards in the areas of policies and procedures, administration, operations and support services. The on-site assessment is used to verify that DEC is meeting those established standards. The assessment team, composed of public safety practitioners from out-of-state agencies, will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit locations to observe compliance. 

As part of the on-site assessment, City employees, public safety partners and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information telephone session. Anyone wishing to comment may call the assessment team members on December 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., at 703.746.1893. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. 

Those wishing to submit written comments about the Department of Emergency Communications’ ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155, or www.calea.org.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., visit www.calea.org, write to the address above, contact the Commission by telephone at 703.352.4225, or send an email to calea@calea.org. 

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer,  at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email myah.marshall@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.1890, Virginia Relay 711.