After a lengthy preparation period and undergoing a thorough inspection process, the Bowie Police Department was awarded full CALEA (The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) accreditation status today, November 13, 2020.

CALEA accreditation is the gold standard in public safety and the Bowie Police Department will continue to strive to provide the highest quality service to the residents and visitors of the City of Bowie. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. was established as an independent accrediting authority in 1979 by four major law enforcement membership associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA); and Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The executive directors of these four associations annually appoint members to the commission. Each serves a three-year voluntary term.

The Bowie Police Department underwent an extensive on-site assessment by a team of specially trained assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Upon completion of the assessment, the Bowie Police Department was found to be in compliance with every single standard of professional excellence set forth by CALEA.

The CALEA Accreditation program seals are reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA Standards and have been awarded CALEA Accreditation by the Commission. (www.calea.org)