The Charleston Police Department (CPD) has received the Accreditation with Excellence Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the highest recognition granted to public safety agencies worldwide.
This honor, awarded during CALEA’s 2025 Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, marks CPD’s eleventh consecutive accreditation since first earning the distinction and since becoming the first municipal law enforcement agency in South Carolina to achieve CALEA accreditation. It reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to professional excellence, transparency, and community trust.
CALEA’s rigorous accreditation process requires a comprehensive review of department policies, practices, and performance against internationally recognized standards. Independent assessors conduct on-site evaluations, gather public feedback, and interview personnel to verify the agency is meeting and exceeding expectations for public safety service delivery.
The Accreditation with Excellence Award recognizes agencies that go beyond compliance by demonstrating leadership in policy development, organizational improvement, and advocacy for high professional standards in policing.
“This award is a reflection of the trust and partnership we share with our community,” said Chief Chito Walker. “Every day, our officers and professional staff work to uphold the highest standards of service, and this achievement confirms that commitment.”
The accreditation remains in effect for four years, with CPD undergoing continuous monitoring and annual assessments to maintain compliance. CALEA’s process helps the department remain aligned with best practices in modern policing, from policy and accountability to community engagement.
Charleston residents can take pride in knowing their police department operates at a standard recognized as the “Gold Standard in Public Safety.”
The Charleston Police Department also earned full accreditation from the South Carolina Police Accreditation Coalition (SCPAC) in 2025. This is an independent, completely voluntary process. Modeled after the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, SCPAC grants accreditation on its own and does not require CALEA certification as a prerequisite.
For more information about CALEA Accreditation, visit www.calea.org.
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Media Release
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Media Contact: Sgt. C. Stinson