In February of 1993, the Morristown Police Department filed an application for national accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).  Policy and procedures were established to ensure compliance with the accreditation standards.  The national on-site, arranged by CALEA, was conducted in September of 1996.  The on-site proved that the department had made a strong commitment to this process, with the results being most favorable. The Morristown Police Department received its accreditation status in Miami, Florida on November 23, 1996.  Of the more than 400 law enforcement agencies within the state of Tennessee, the Morristown Police Department became the 14th agency to achieve national accreditation status.

Once achieving this status an agency is expected to maintain the CALEA standards in association with their own department's policy and procedures. To confirm that an agency is maintaining their accredited status an assessment is conducted every three years. The Morristown Police Department just achieved the goal of re-accredidation in November of 1999 and again in March of 2003 following sucessful on-sites with CALEA Assessors.

Achieving accreditation has benefited the Morristown Police Department, our municipal government, and the community.  A few of the benefits are: a reduction of liability insurance costs, increased community involved programs, and certified policies and guidelines for all personnel to follow, which gives a stronger defense against law suits.  Also, the accreditation process has enhanced the career development track for both sworn and civilian employees.

Although accreditation does not increase the responsibility or duties of police officers or department administrators, the process does increase the accountability of each position held within the Morristown Police Department.  By ensuring that everyone is accountable for their individual job task, we are better prepared to provide professional and progressive police services to the community.