The Federal Way Police Department was recently awarded re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) on Nov. 18.

In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: The International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum.

The Commission was formed to develop a set of law enforcement standards, and to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies could demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

Of the approximate 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, less than 3% are accredited.

The Federal Way Police Department received their initial accreditation award in 2002. Each award remains in effect for four years.

In order to maintain their accreditation, the department must go through annual reviews and an on-site assessment every four years to determine if they have been in compliance of applicable standards established by the Commission.

In August, CALEA assessors conducted a comprehensive assessment of department practices and forwarded their findings to the Commission.

Chief Hwang and other members of the department appeared before the Commission on Nov. 18. The Commission found the Federal Way Police Department has either met or exceeded the standards set forth by CALEA and the department received their seventh accreditation award.

Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement. The process of being accredited as a law enforcement agency is rigorous.

Federal Way Police Department is one of only eight agencies in the state of Washington accredited by CALEA.