The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has enrolled in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies‘ (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

The enrollment begins an approximately three-year process to evaluate and strengthen the agency’s policies, procedures, training, operations, and management practices — and if successful the NRP will join the Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority Police, and locally, the Salisbury Police Department and Salisbury University Police along with others across the state.

Often described as the “international gold standard for public safety agencies,” CALEA accreditation is only achieved by about 5% of police agencies nationwide. Accreditation is a voluntary, standards-based process that helps law enforcement agencies boost organizational effectiveness, strengthen accountability, reduce risk, and enhance public trust.

As part of the process, NRP will conduct a comprehensive review of its operations and demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized public safety standards.

“Pursuing CALEA accreditation is an important step in our continued commitment to professionalism and service to the people of Maryland,” said NRP Superintendent Colonel Orlando D. Lilly. “This process gives us an opportunity to sharpen our procedures agency-wide in an effort to better protect people, communities, and the natural resources of Maryland. Following this process, NRP will be better suited to meet modern policing benchmarks while ensuring long-term organizational health and effectiveness.”

Agencies seeking accreditation are expected to meet or surpass standards addressing management practices, reporting and analysis, critical incident preparedness, and community relationships. The program is available to a range of law enforcement agencies, including specialized agencies such as fish and game and park law enforcement agencies.

“Maryland Natural Resources Police’s decision to pursue CALEA Accreditation demonstrates its commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement,” said CALEA President Col. Matthew Packard. “Enrollment is the first step in a rigorous process that requires agencies to evaluate their operations, strengthen policies and procedures, and align their practices with recognized public safety standards.

“By voluntarily pursuing accreditation, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is making a clear investment in accountability, transparency, employee safety, and quality service to the communities and natural resources it is entrusted to protect.”

During the accreditation process yearly appraisals and assessments will be conducted until accreditation is awarded.