Police Accreditation Analyst bei City of Thornton, CO

About the Department

Under general direction, plans, coordinates, and manages all aspects of the Thornton Police Department's Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) processes. Ensures continuous compliance with CALEA standards, promotes best practices in law enforcement operations, and serves as the primary liaison with CALEA and other accreditation networks.

Position Duties

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Manages and oversees the CALEA programs, including planning, coordinating, and directing all related activities.

Develops and implements a comprehensive plan to achieve and maintain CALEA, including timelines, responsibilities, and resource allocation.

Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison with CALEA, responding to inquiries, submitting required documentation, and coordinating all assessment activities.

Administers and manages the accreditation software platform for tracking compliance, managing proofs, and organizing documentation.

Conducts thorough reviews and analyses of all department policies, procedures, and directives to ensure alignment and compliance with current CALEA standards, federal and state laws, and relevant court decisions.

Drafts, revises, and manages the department's catalog of written directives to reflect CALEA standards and best practices.

Identifies and verifies proofs of compliance for each applicable CALEA standard, correcting any noted deficiencies through policy revisions, training, or other administrative measures.

Develops and implements internal audit processes to monitor ongoing compliance with CALEA standards across all department divisions and units.

Develops, coordinates, and delivers comprehensive training and familiarization programs for all agency personnel on CALEA standards, the accreditation process, and new/revised policies.

Provides guidance and support to department staff in understanding and adhering to CALEA requirements.

Prepares and submits all required reports, documentation, and data tables to CALEA in a timely and accurate manner.

Maintains meticulous and organized accreditation files and records, ensuring easy retrieval and auditability.

Provides regular updates and reports to department command staff and leadership on the status of accreditation, compliance levels, and any challenges or opportunities.

Plans, coordinates, and manages CALEA on-site assessments and annual remote reviews, including preparing displays, coordinating interviews, and facilitating public hearings.

Conducts mock assessments to prepare the agency for official CALEA evaluations.

Stays abreast of all aspects of the CALEA process, including proposed changes or amendments to standards, transition policies, and process updates.

Researches and analyzes complex technical issues concerning law enforcement standards and their impact on agency operations.

Identifies and recommends new programs, systems, procedures, or equipment specifications for the improvement of agency performance in compliance with applicable accreditation standards.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with CALEA representatives, other accredited law enforcement agencies, and professional organizations.

Represents the agency at CALEA conferences, accreditation network meetings, and other relevant events.

May be required to work overtime.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience in a law enforcement agency, with at least two years directly involved in planning, implementing, and managing a CALEA process. Master's Degree in a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Certification as a CALEA Assessor or similar accreditation professional.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of CALEA standards, law enforcement best practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws/ordinances.
Knowledge of CALEA standards, principles, and the accreditation process.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.
Skill in policy writing and development within a law enforcement context.
Skill in using accreditation software platforms and standard office productivity software, such as Microsoft 365 and PowerDMS.
Skill in research methods, data analysis, and statistical reporting.
Skill in policy development and management.
Skill in project management principles.
Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking and presentation skills.
Skill in computer literacy, particularly with accreditation software and data management.
Skill in working with others. 
Skill in interpreting and evaluating complex legislative initiatives and court decisions.
Skill in attention to detail and accuracy.
Skill in strategic planning and execution.
Ability to analyze complex information, organize multiple priorities, and develop effective solutions to problems.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, outside agencies, and the public.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Ability to develop and deliver effective training programs.
Ability to provide constructive feedback and support to facilitate continuous improvement.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and departmental needs.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to reach, finger, talk, and hear. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.

Other Qualifications

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.