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Case Number 59
Although the Valdosta Police Department has experienced numerous improvements and successes as the result of the accreditation process, one major benefit has resulted through compliance with CALEA Standard 16.1.2, which states the agency allocates personnel and distributes them within each of the organizational components in accordance with documented periodic workload assessments. The Valdosta Police Department complied with this standard by conducting workload assessments utilizing an accepted format recommended by the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and other professional associations. As the result of conducting several such assessments, the Valdosta Police Department’s manpower has increased to the current level of 132 sworn personnel.
Of particular importance was a workload assessment conducted in 2004. The City of Valdosta had recently received metropolitan status with a base population of 48,000 residents and a daily population of approximately 69,000. Annual calls for service data showed an increase from previous years, placing heavier demands on personnel in the Bureau of Patrol Services. Consequently, the workload assessment specifically targeted the patrol bureau. The assessment results reflected a significant deficiency in the number of authorized patrol officers based on current calls for service data. The results of the workload assessment were provided to the city elected leadership during annual budget considerations and resulted in six additional sworn positions added to the police department patrol bureau.
Additionally, city leadership was advised that the assessment was among one of many requirements of an accredited agency. By educating our government officials, not only on this standard, but the entire accreditation process, the Valdosta Police Department has, and continues to receive an extraordinary amount of support for our accreditation efforts. The process has fostered positive change in the Valdosta Police Department, to include increased manpower, improved equipment, and an annual accreditation bonus of $2,058 for all sworn personnel, for as long as the agency remains CALEA Accredited.
Captain Brian K. Childress Valdosta (GA) Police Department
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The
Valdosta (GA) Police Department has been CALEA Law Enforcement Accredited since
1999. Prior to enrolling in the CALEA Process, the police department identified
deficiencies in several areas: lack of proper equipment, good policies and
procedures, and poor media and community support. Also identified as a serious
deficiency, was the lack of manpower resources available to adequately respond
to the demands of a growing city. At that time, the Valdosta Police Department
was provided 110 sworn positions.