Bellevue Police reaccredited with rare distinction in law enforcement

The Bellevue Police Department has successfully reaccredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), a prestigious designation that less than 6% of U. S. law enforcement agencies achieve. Police Chief Wendell Shirley celebrated this accomplishment, stating it reflects the high standards and dedication of the department's officers and staff to community safety. To secure reaccreditation, the department submitted over 470 examples demonstrating compliance with CALEA's rigorous standards, which emphasize transparency and effective management.

The accreditation process requires departments to undergo a thorough internal audit of practices, including use-of-force standards and internal investigations. First certified in 2005, the Bellevue Police Department will maintain this accreditation until 2028, with annual compliance checks to ensure ongoing adherence to CALEA's expectations. CALEA accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in law enforcement and serves as a benchmark for public safety agencies across the country. The Bellevue city government also takes pride in the fact that five other departments, including Fire and Transportation, have maintained accreditation for over ten years. This commitment to excellence underscores the city’s dedication to effective governance and community service.