Frederick Police Department - Flagship Agency

Department Receives Coveted “Flagship Agency” Designation

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) has awarded national accreditation to the Frederick Police Department. In addition, CALEA has designated the Frederick Police Department as a “Flagship Agency.” Police Chief Kim C. Dine appeared before the Commission in Virginia on August 1, 2009 to address the agency’s compliance with the National Law Enforcement Standards.

CALEA’s law enforcement accreditation represents the successful completion of an internal self-evaluation and a detailed outside review by a team of independent assessors. These examiners analyzed all areas of the Frederick Police Department, including policies, procedures and operations, as well as input from the public. The department had to comply with more than 400 standards to maintain accredited status.

Flagship agencies are those recognized by CALEA as “model” organizations and leaders in the Law Enforcement profession. According to the Commission, this designation was introduced in 2004 “to acknowledge the achievement and expertise of some of the most successful accredited public safety agencies, and to provide ‘flagship examples’ to assist other agencies.” The Frederick Police Department’s selection is based on the agency’s past awards, current assessment during the April 2009 on-site inspection and overall professional standing in the public safety community.

Chief Dine stated, “The Frederick Police Department is proud and honored to not only be re-accredited but to be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies as a “Flagship Agency.” This designation is a credit to the dedicated and proud men and women of the Frederick Police Department, both civilian and sworn, who work hard each day to provide professional police services to those who live, work, and spend time in Frederick. This special recognition is a result of their work. Likewise, the FPD would like to thank our residents for the overwhelming support we receive from them for our efforts. Awards like this are additional proof that when the police work in concert with the community they serve, everyone benefits.” Chief Dine also praised the excellent work of Ms. Dana Kelly, the Accreditation Coordinator for the Frederick Police Department, stating “achieving this honor was truly a team effort including all members of the agency and our extremely supportive residents, but through this entire grueling process, Ms. Kelly did an outstanding job.”

To maintain accreditation, the police department must submit yearly reports of its continuing compliance with CALEA standards. Formal on-site reviews are conducted by a team of assessors every three years. The Frederick Police Department has been nationally accredited since 2003.