LAPD News:

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone announced today that the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) has successfully completed the first annual review of the advanced law enforcement accreditation program.

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) completed the week long review at the end of May.

LAPD began working toward its accreditation in 2015 and was accredited in 2018. The Los Alamos Police Department is one of three law enforcement agencies nationally accredited within New Mexico. The other two agencies are the Farmington Police Department and New Mexico State Police.

During the first annual review, the CALEA compliance assessor ensured the Los Alamos Police Department has continued to adhere to the strict standards set forth by CALEA.  During the review, the Los Alamos Police Department showed compliance in all 81 inspected standards.

“This was an agency-wide accomplishment,” LAPD Accreditation Manager Sgt. Daniel Roberts said. “I received a lot of help from all members of the department, especially Det. Joey Robinson and Ofc. Samantha Terrazas. They were very helpful in this process and have worked diligently to meet deadlines.”

Chief Sgambellone has said that he firmly believes that CALEA compliance strengthens the agency’s accountability, both within the agency and the community. CALEA accreditation can limit potential liability and risk exposure because it demonstrates that internationally recognized standards for law enforcement have been met, as verified by a team of independent outside CALEA-trained assessors. LAPD strives to provide the best service possible, and CALEA ensures LAPD maintains a high level of standards.

The Los Alamos Police Department will have its second annual review in March of 2020.