Anniston, AL – The Anniston Police Department (APD) has successfully earned its second accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high professional standards in law enforcement.
APD first began the accreditation process in 2017, a rigorous four-year endeavor involving regular reviews, an on-site assessment, and a comprehensive audit. The department was initially accredited in 2021 and has since worked diligently to uphold the necessary standards for reaccreditation.
This past week, representatives from APD’s Training and Inspections Unit met with CALEA commissioners and testified before their hearing committee. Following the evaluation, APD was officially granted reaccreditation, making it one of only 15 law enforcement agencies in Alabama to currently hold CALEA accreditation.
CALEA was established in 1979 by major law enforcement executive associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association. The accreditation process ensures agencies meet established best practices in law enforcement operations, policies, and community engagement.
Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles emphasized the importance of CALEA accreditation in fostering transparency and accountability.
“Many agencies don’t want to open up their policies to criticism or correction. CALEA is a pathway to transparency and accountability to the public. I had a conversation in 2020 with former APD Chief Wayne Chandler. I expressed that we didn’t have to change much to get our initial certification and he told me that he crafted APD’s policies on a CALEA manual without joining the association. Just goes to show that my predecessors laid the foundation of what we are today.”
Lieutenant Lloyd of APD also expressed gratitude for the efforts of Sergeant Bruce Dunnagan, APD’s CALEA Accreditation Manager, who played a crucial role in maintaining compliance with accreditation standards. “It is a very labor-intensive process, and he has worked tirelessly to ensure we maintain the standards we set for ourselves as well as the standards laid out in accreditation,” Lt. Lloyd stated.
APD’s continued commitment to CALEA accreditation reflects its dedication to professionalism, accountability, and excellence in serving the Anniston community.
