Kankakee, IL – Since 2009, the Kankakee Police Department has been a leader in the field of law enforcement by demonstrating that they live up to the stringent standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). Since that time, the Kankakee Police Department consistently undergoes critical self-assessment, creating and revising policies, and standard operating procedures in accordance with CALEA’s nationally recognized standards and best practices.

On Monday, October 21, 2019, a team of external law enforcement assessors from CALEA will be arriving in the City of Kankakee for a three-day visit, during which they will be examining all aspects of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. The assessment team will be seeking to verify that the department meets over 100 different state of the art standards established by the Commission. If awarded accreditation status, the recognition will be for four years, during which the department will then need to submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with the Commission’s standards, that are subject to ongoing review and revision in accordance with nationally recognized practices.

In regard to this effort, Chief Frank Kosman commented, “The CALEA accreditation process demonstrates the department’s commitment to achieving a high level of police service for our residents and the general public in our community. This type of external evaluation insures that we consistently operate up to professionally accepted standards.  By maintaining accountability for utilizing those standards, the assessment limits liability and risk for both the department’s personnel and the public at large, as well as, improves the department’s relationship with the community.”

“This process has allowed the city of Kankakee Police Department to be accountable to the highest standards in law enforcement. The administration will continue to pursue best practices so that we can give our residents the best service they deserve,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

As part of this onsite assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the assessment team at a public forum on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The forum will be held at the City of Kankakee Council Chambers located at 385 E. Oak Street in Kankakee. Those who are unable to attend the public session, but would like to provide comments to the assessment team, may do so by calling 815-936-7315 on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Written comments about the department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation may be sent to the Commission at: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA®), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

Public and telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with the CALEA Standards. Questions or clarifications may be obtained by contacting Sergeant Avery Ivey, Jr., Accreditation Manager, at 815-936-3602 or by email at a_ivey@citykankakee-il.gov.

For more information regarding CALEA, contact the Commission by phone at 703-352-4225 or by email at calea@calea.org.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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