CALEA Accredited

CALEA: The Gold Standard in Excellence

The Farmington Police Department does not simply aim to be a "good" law enforcement agency; we strive to be one of the elite. This commitment is validated by our accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®).



Known as the "Gold Standard in Public Safety," CALEA accreditation is a voluntary and rigorous process that confirms our department adheres to the most advanced, professional, and ethical standards in the world.


Why Accreditation Matters

In modern policing, trust is built on more than just words—it is built on proven systems. Out of approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, only a small fraction achieve CALEA accreditation. By meeting these 450+ rigorous standards, the Farmington Police Department ensures:

  • Proven Professionalism: Our policies on the use of force, evidence handling, and emergency response are not just "local ideas"—they are nationally recognized best practices.
  • A Culture of Accountability: Every aspect of our operation, from our finances to our field operations, is subjected to regular, independent, and comprehensive audits by outside experts.
  • Reduced Risk: Adhering to CALEA standards significantly reduces the risk of liability and ensures that our officers are trained to handle critical incidents with the highest degree of safety.

Continuous Improvement, Not a One-Time Event

Accreditation is not a trophy on a shelf; it is a way of life. To maintain our status, the Farmington Police Department must constantly document our compliance and undergo a full, multi-day on-site assessment every four years. This cycle of "Self-Assessment" and "External Review" ensures that we never grow stagnant and that our services are always evolving to meet the needs of the 21st century.


What This Means for Farmington

For our residents, CALEA accreditation is a guarantee of service quality. It means that when you interact with an FPD officer, you are being served by an agency that:

  • Prioritizes de-escalation and ethical conduct.
  • Upholds transparency through data-driven reporting.
  • Invests in superior training for its personnel.
  • Remains open to community feedback as a core requirement of its certification.