BART PD seeks prestigious accreditation; public meeting planned

The BART Police Department is undergoing a rigorous process to become one of the select agencies in California to earn a prestigious accreditation.  A team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), will arrive January 26, 2019 to examine all aspects of the BART Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“Verification by the team that the BART Police Department meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation. It’s a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence,” said BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas.

As part of the assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on January 29, 2019 at 5:00 pm.  Attendees can speak for up to three minutes on the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards. The session will be held in the BART Board Room, located in the Kaiser Center 20th Street Mall, Third Floor, 2040 Webster St., Oakland, CA.

Members of the public can also share their comments by phone.  Comments are limited to three minutes and may only address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards. The public may call 510-464-6800 on January 29, 2019 between 1-3 pm.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the BART Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation can write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA®), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

A copy of the standards is available to view at the BART Police Department. Local contact is Mgr. Matt Cromer at [email protected]. The BART Police Department has to comply with 357 standards in order to gain accredited status under CALEA guidelines.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155; or call (703) 352-4225 or email [email protected].  You may also visit CALEA’s website http://www.calea.org.