City of Columbia

Members of the CPD stand with CALEA assessors Brian Childress and Melvin Lang. From left to right: Capt. Troy Potts, Sgt. Vince Morgan, Officer Paige Manley, Childress, Chief Joseph Bishop, Capt. Kenny Brady, Lange, Assistant Chief Tim Potts and Capt. Mickey Jones.


Columbia Police Department Awarded Re-Accreditation


The City of Columbia is pleased to announce that the Columbia Police Department has successfully completed a comprehensive review of their CALEA accreditation qualifications. For a police agency, being accredited means that the department has met the highest law enforcement standards.


During the four-day, on-site review of the Columbia Police Department, a public information session offered community and agency employees an opportunity to have input in the assessment process. For those who could not comment at the session in person at City Council Chambers, telephone submissions were accepted. All of the comments were limited to addressing the Columbia Police Department’s ability to comply with the CALEA standards. Chief Bishop said “I was humbled by the words of support and praise offered by our partners and various members of the community who took the time to address the Assessors in support of the department and our officers.”


Columbia Police Chief Joseph Bishop said the accreditation process is strictly voluntary but it’s something the Department feels is necessary, “We’ve chosen this intense review to ensure that we are hitting all the benchmarks that make up our S.A.F.E. model, for a better Columbia. The citizens of Columbia deserve the best. Acquiring CALEA accreditation will put an extra stamp on our Department’s hard work. It says that our procedures and entire team meet the highest professional recognized standards for excellence in our field”.


Chief Bishop continued, “The dedication and commitment of the members of the Columbia Police Department is the catalyst for our success thus far with our ‘S.A.F.E. for a better Columbia crime-fighting model.’ But, I have to publicly thank Sgt. Vince Morgan and Officer Paige Manley who managed our re-accreditation process along with the CPD leadership team".


The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was created in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major Law Enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum united to address issues of accountability, integrity, liability, performance, community partnership, and to elevate law enforcement to professional standing and affirm the quality of police services.