DECATUR, GA "As part of the GBI's effort to gain re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), a team of CALEA assessors will arrive August 21, 2010, to re-examine all aspects of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services," Director Vernon M. Keenan, announced today.  The GBI received its initial accreditation from CALEA on November 1, 1998.

"Verification by the assessment team that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) meets the Commission's standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation.  Accreditation is a highly recognized status of law enforcement professional excellence," Keenan said.

If an individual would like to provide comments to the assessment team, they may do so by telephone.  The public may call 1-877-260-7486 on Sunday, August 22, 2010, between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with CALEA standards.  A copy of the standards is available at GBI Headquarters, 3121 Panthersville Road in Decatur, Georgia.  For additional information, contact the GBI Accreditation Manager, Bradley Martin, at (404) 270-8349.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the GBI's ability to meet the standards for re-accreditation are requested to write the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155.

The GBI has to comply with over 300 standards in order to gain re-accredited status Keenan said.  "This is an intensive, time-consuming process, but the GBI has always been a highly innovative and progressive agency. I am extremely confident in our ability to comply once again with all of the required standards."

"The GBI is committed to providing the best investigative, scientific and information services available," he continued. "Being re-accredited will enhance and strengthen our service capability to the state of Georgia."

Mr. Martin said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar, but out-of-state, agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.  The assessors are Mr. John McElwee, (retired) from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department; and Commissioner Gerald Bailey of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission with their recommendation.  The Commission will then decide if the agency is to be granted re-accredited status, Mr. Martin said.

Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

For more information regarding CALEA, please write to the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155; or call (800) 368-3757 or (703) 352-4225. CALEA's web site is https://www.calea.org/.

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Contact Information:

John Bankhead - 404-270-8330