Public Input Sought on GTPD for Reaccreditation

The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) invites the public to share feedback on the department at an information session February 25, 2020, at 5 p.m., in the auditorium of the Manufacturing Research Center (MARC), 813 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332.

The session is part of GTPD’s pursuit of reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). A team of CALEA assessors will visit campus February 24-26 to examine all aspects of GTPD’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Verification by the assessment team that GTPD meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process for reaccreditation. Comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards.

“Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence,” said GTPD Chief Robert Connolly. “It’s a challenging process requiring us to comply with the preeminent law enforcement standards established by CALEA. We’ve measured up to these standards in the past, and we’re eager to earn this credential again, demonstrating we have highly skilled, highly trained men and women protecting the Georgia Tech community.”

In addition to the public hearing, feedback can also be provided by telephone at 404.894.3537 or through Reddit by directly messaging the account, “u/GaTechPD” between 1-3 p.m. on February 25. Feedback may also be provided by writing to CALEA, 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155.

The accreditation standards are available for review through Lt. Joel Montezinos at GTPD, 965 Hemphill Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30332.

Accreditation by CALEA lasts four years. GTPD must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with the standards under which it was initially accredited.

More information on accreditation is available by calling 703.352.4225 or emailing calea@calea.org.