Chapter 3 - The Self-Assessment

Question 1

Self-assessment has four basic purposes:

Answer 1

1. To achieve compliance with applicable standards.
2. To establish proofs of compliance with those standards.
3. To prepare for the on-site review by CALEA Assessors.
4. Institutionalize the processes and best practices for the current operations and future growth of the agency.

Question 2

a written memorandum of understanding or other written directive from the new CEO, stating that all policies and procedures of the previous CEO will remain in effect until revised by him or her.

Answer 2

Bridging documents

Question 3

The _____ ______ is the designated primary contact between the agency and CALEA Staff.

Answer 3

accreditation manager

Question 4

During self-assessment, the agency’s accreditation manager is expected to:

Answer 4

Orient all agency personnel and train selected employees regarding the standards and the accreditation process.
Evaluate the agency’s current written directive system using CALEA Standards.
Maintain regular contact with assigned CALEA Program Manager.
Identify and comply with applicable standards.
Establish agency systems to ensure accreditation maintenance. These systems include inspections, audits, reports, and analyses.
Prepare written proofs or use other methods to assist assessors to verify compliance with standards.
Maintain the agency’s accreditation files.
Comply with the CALEA’s public information requirements.
Facilitate the on-site review by the CALEA’s Assessors.

Question 5

The use of the ___ ____ ____ ___ is required to assist the agency with accreditation management. This cloud-based software is designed and administered by PowerDMS™ to assist agencies during their initial self-assessment and manage activities for continuous compliance.

Answer 5

CALEA PowerDMS Assessment Tool

Question 6

Some common items or issues that cause agencies to incur additional expenditures are:

Answer 6

Facility changes in central records, property/evidence, communications or the holding facility; Equipment such as body armor, play back recording capabilities or other agency needs; Recruitment activities or brochures; New programs (e.g., Early Warning Systems, Employee Assistance Program); and Increased training requirements.

Question 7

Terms worth reviewing early in self-assessment are:

Answer 7

Goals, mission statement, and organizational values

Question 8

A broad statement of what the agency expects to obtain or achieve.

Answer 8

Goals

Question 9

A declaration of how the agency seeks to meet the goals.

Answer 9

Mission statement

Question 10

A statement of agency beliefs, ethics, and conduct.

Answer 10

Organizational values

Question 11

Assessors making compliance decisions during assessments use the ____ ___ to compare the actual function of the document. This means a determination will be based on the function of the documents rather than what they are titled.

Answer 11

glossary terms