Read GPD's 2021 CALEA Assessment Report and Award Letter.

Recognizing Professional Excellence
In 1979, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations:

• International Association of Chiefs of Police
• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
• National Sheriff’s Association
• Police Executive Research Forum

These organizations continue to serve in an advisory capacity to the commission and are responsible for appointing members to the commission’s 21-member board.

CALEA is a voluntary program that represents the best in law enforcement in North America. Its goals are:

• Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities
• Formalize essential management procedures
• Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices
• Improve service delivery
• Solidify inter-agency cooperation and coordination
• Boost citizen and staff confidence in the agency

Benefits to participating agencies:

• Stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints
• Greater accountability within the agency
• Support for government officials
• Increased community advocacy
• Recognition for professionalism, excellence and competence

On November 9, 1986, the CALEA awarded accredited status to the Greensboro Police Department (GPD), making it the first law enforcement agency in North Carolina to be accredited. This award was the result of more than 18 months of work. The process of self-examination and assessment by independent assessors served to strengthen all areas of the department and placed GPD in the forefront of police professionalism.
 
Since that time, the GPD has had the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to excellence through its participation in the reaccreditation process. The reaccreditation process involves the same level of rigorous self-assessment and independent examination associated with the initial accreditation process. GPD successfully completed the reaccreditation process in 1991, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2021.