LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT

As part of its efforts to renew its accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Office of Law Enforcement is hosting a public-comment meeting Wednesday, April 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at its headquarters office at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton.
      All comments must address the ability of the District’s Office of Law Enforcement to comply with CALEA standards, which are available for review at District headquarters. The public can also submit comments to assessors by phone April 10 between 2 and 4 p.m. by calling 630-871-7541. Comments at the meeting and by phone are limited to 10 minutes. Written comments can be mailed to CALEA at 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155. For more information, call the District’s Office of Law Enforcement at 630-871-7545.
      “Our agency is proud to have maintained CALEA accreditation since 2001,” said the Forest Preserve District’s Chief of Police Tom Wakolbinger. “Through compliance to more than 500 ‘best practice’ standards for excellence in police operations established by the Commission, our officers demonstrate their commitment to service and the protection of our public lands every day.”
     
       The CALEA assessment team, which is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies in other states, will examine the District’s policies and procedures, management, operation, and support services by reviewing written materials, conducting interviews and making on-site visits. It will then report to the full commission, which will decide if the District will again receive accreditation. The District must apply for reaccreditation every three years.
      Established in 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County manages over 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year, over 4.3 million visitors enjoy the District’s 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers, and scores of scheduled programs and events. To learn more, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.