City of Cedar Rapids

On May 4, 2019, the Cedar Rapids Police Department was awarded full advanced accreditation by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).  The Police Department joined 698 law enforcement agencies that have earned accreditation.  There are 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, so the Cedar Rapids Police Department is one of only 5 percent of all law enforcement agencies that have earned this distinction.  

CALEA Accreditation is a voluntary process.  By being involved in the accreditation process, participating public service agencies have demonstrated a commitment to professionalism.  CALEA Accreditation is the Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies and represents a commitment to excellence.  CALEA Compliance Service members reviewed 484 agency standards and conducted 56 interviews as part of a site-based assessment review with police employees, City employees, and members of the public to confirm standards adherence, effectiveness measures, process management, and intended outcomes.   

City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said, “I am extremely proud that the Police Department achieved their accreditation goals.  The Cedar Rapids Police Department is a leader in regional law enforcement activities and accreditation demonstrates a commitment to professionalism.  Accreditation is more than just a designation or an award that a law enforcement agency receives.  It enhances the service capabilities and effectiveness of our Police Department.  Professional review and accreditation promotes community trust and establishes a platform for ensuring that our City’s police services enhance the quality of life for both citizens and visitors to our community.” 

The rigorous review process required the Police Department to meet standards in the areas of crime prevention and control capabilities; management procedures; and service delivery. The commission also reviewed Cedar Rapids Police Department policies and procedures to make sure they are fair and nondiscriminatory. The department will be audited annually, with re-accreditation every four years. 

Chief Wayne Jerman said, “Achieving accreditation demonstrates that the Cedar Rapids Police Department operates professionally and meets the expectations of the community. Accreditation also reaffirms that the Police Department aspires to provide the highest quality services to the public.  The assessors were particularly impressed with the support of the community and leadership in the City of Cedar Rapids.  I am very pleased that the Police Department received advanced accredited status without any conditions.  The assessors told us that the Cedar Rapids Police Department has some of the best-trained and equipped police officers among several agencies that they had visited.  This is a testament to the support of the community.” 

Working towards, achieving, and maintaining accreditation raises the profile of the Police Department in the community and emphasizes the Police Department’s dedication to excellence to our citizens and businesses.  It furthers the City of Cedar Rapids department-wide culture of continuous improvement and provides independent verification and validation of our City’s operations. 

Below is a link to serve as an opportunity for comments, commendations, and other information regarding the Cedar Rapids Police Department’s quality of service or other information relevant to our accreditation process.  Please note that this link is for accreditation purposes and is submitted only to CALEA.

For further information on CALEA please go to the following web site: