We are proud that the Topeka Police Department is an accredited Law Enforcement Agency. Law enforcement agencies volunteer to take part in the accreditation process. At this time there are only 5 agencies in Kansas and 700 agencies in the nation that have successfully completed this process.

Obtaining organizational accreditation is a common practice in many fields. For instance, colleges and hospitals are accredited or certified by professional bodies.

Essentially, accreditation is a seal of approval from an independent agency. It is a means by which organizations illustrate the pursuit of excellence in their particular line of expertise and their willingness to meet and exceed industry standards.

In the field of law enforcement, the Commission on accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) is a non-profit commission that grants accreditation. The Commission was founded in 1979 by four major law enforcement bodies: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Research Forum, National Sheriffs' Association, and National Organization of Black Enforcement Executives.