Mechanic Mark Ranson of Covington Public Works’ Fleet Management Division applies the CALEA decal to a new cruiser.
COVINGTON, Ky. - Nine new police cruisers are hitting Covington’s streets, and among their new features is a tiny and somewhat rare decal that says a lot about the professionalism of Covington’s department.
For the first time, the cruisers are adorned with a sticker from CALEA, the national Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.
Covington earned the right to sport the decal last November, when it became the third law enforcement agency in Kentucky to be accredited.
The highly prized status means that Covington passed an intense examination of the department - including policy and procedures, management, operations and support services - by an outside assessment team. The process also included formal comment from the public served by Covington’s department.
To maintain accreditation, Covington must comply on an ongoing basis with 189 standards.
“It’s a rigorous process and required a lot of preparation, but accreditation is a good benchmark that reminds us that good police work on the streets requires a good foundation in the office,” Police Chief Rob Nader said. “We’re proud to be CALEA-certified.”
###
