For the first time in its history, the Cartersville Police Department is now a nationally accredited law enforcement agency.
Chief Frank McCann is proud to announce that the Cartersville Police Department has received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The commission, commonly known as CALEA, is recognized as the gold standard in international public safety excellence. The Cartersville Police Department is now in exclusive company, as only 4% of law enforcement agencies nationwide hold this accreditation.
The accreditation, which was formally presented to Chief McCann and members of his command staff at the annual CALEA Conference in Jacksonville on November 15, 2025, ensures that CPD adheres to more than 180 best-practice industry standards focused on professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
The CALEA Accreditation process began three years ago with a rigorous self-assessment that required a review of policies, practices, and processes against internationally accepted public safety standards.
This was followed by an annual assessment by independent assessors with extensive public safety experience, and concluded by a public hearing and a review of all reporting documentation by a governing body of twenty-one commissioners.
The Cartersville Police Department must continue to participate in annual reviews to ensure compliance during the accreditation period and reapply for accreditation every four years.
