Fuquay Varina Police Department receives CALEA accreditation; COPS grant supported process

Fuquay Varina Police Chief Smith announced on May 20 that the Fuquay Varina Police Department has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) following an 18‑month review of policies, training and operations.

Chief Smith said the accreditation process involved a comprehensive policy review, an online assessment, a site visit, and a hearing before the commission. He credited accreditation specialist Marilyn Wagner and Lieutenant Michael McDonnell for leading the work and said a COPS grant was used to support policy management systems, training, and technology updates necessary to meet CALEA standards. Chief Smith said the department will display the CALEA certificate in its lobby and presented Marilyn Wagner with a certificate of appreciation.

Why it matters: CALEA accreditation recognizes compliance with nationally accepted best practices in policy, accountability and operations. Chief Smith said accreditation “demonstrates that our agency complies with best practice standards in areas such as policy, accountability, operations, training, and community engagement.” He also said the accreditation is an ongoing process that requires continued compliance and periodic reassessment.

Supporting details: Chief Smith described the effort as approximately 18 months of work that included a site visit and a commission hearing. He thanked employees across the department and noted the department joins other accredited agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. No formal board action was required; the item was presented as a recognition.