TACOMA, Wash. – As part of our Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation, The Tacoma Police Department supports an annual review of all police policies, procedures, and record-keeping. Every fourth year, CALEA conducts an in-person, three-day review on-site at TPD. This month, CALEA conducted its on-site inspection, focusing on data and information management, as well as how the department develops, implements, and maintains programs to increase transparency and engage with our community. CALEA found that all Tacoma Police policies comply with gold standards of the profession.
Key Highlights:
Transparency and Accountability: The department has made significant strides in enhancing transparency with the community. This includes establishing clear and open communication channels and making critical information readily accessible to the public. This success is attributed to the unwavering commitment of our officers and staff to ensure openness and honesty in all interactions with the community.
Crime Plan: The implementation of a strategic crime plan has been pivotal in addressing and reducing crime across Tacoma. This comprehensive approach focuses on proactive measures, community engagement, and efficient resource allocation. Our officers’ diligent efforts in executing this plan, along with the use of data-directed policing, have allowed us to deploy resources more effectively and respond to crime trends with precision.
Dashboard Implementation: The introduction of a new public safety dashboard has provided both the department and the community with real-time data on crime statistics, response times, and other essential metrics. This tool is instrumental in driving informed decisions and fostering accountability. The dedication and technical expertise of our team in developing and maintaining this dashboard have been crucial to its successful implementation.
Body-Worn Cameras: The implementation of body-worn cameras has significantly enhanced our ability to document interactions between officers and the public. These cameras provide an unbiased record of events, helping to build trust and fairness in our operations. The commitment of our officers to this program and their professionalism in its use have been key to its successful adoption.
Passion and Dedication: The assessors met with many members of the department and community. They repeatedly praised the passion and dedication to the department and service to the community by department members and community. This commendation reflects the heartfelt commitment of our officers and staff to their roles and to making a positive impact on the community every day.
These achievements would not have been possible without the coordinated efforts and dedication of everyone in our department. The collaboration among our officers, support staff, and community partners has been crucial to our success.
As we move forward, we want to remind the public that in March 2023, the department launched the CALEA public comment portal. This portal remains available on the City of Tacoma website or directly through the CALEA website. The portal serves as a vital tool for the community to provide feedback on our adherence to CALEA standards, engagement with the public, and overall performance. We value all feedback, as it guides our continuous improvement efforts.
The Tacoma Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to make Tacoma the safest city in the country. Through collaboration with the community, equitable law enforcement, and a commitment to upholding Constitutional rights, we strive to maintain peace and order in all neighborhoods. CALEA accreditation is a cornerstone of our mission, driving us to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of Tacoma.
