The accreditation process involves a comprehensive self-assessment by the department of the 459 standards. The standards address six major law enforcement areas: (1) role, responsibilities and relationships with other agencies; (2) organization, management and administration; (3) personnel administration; (4) law enforcement operations, operational support and traffic; (5) prisoner and court related services; and (6) auxiliary and technical services.

After undergoing self-assessment, an on-site assessment is completed by a team of trained independent assessors. These CALEA assessors verify the department’s compliance with standards by checking its proofs and interviewing operations and management personnel. A public hearing is also held to elicit citizens’ comments. Accreditation periods are three years in duration. During this time the department must maintain compliance with the standards and must submit annual reports attesting to this fact. Reaccreditation occurs at the end of this period, pending another successful on-site assessment and hearing before the commission.

The Knoxville Police Department completed the initial accreditation process in November 1992, and has been re-accredited successfully in November 1997, December 2000, November 2003, and again in November 2006. The department is scheduled for its next assessment in August 2009. Through the accreditation process, the Knoxville Police Department maintains external independent verification of its policing excellence.

In December 2004, the Knoxville Police Department's Law Enforcement Training Academy received its initial award for CALEA's Public Safety Training Academy Accreditation program. The police department's training academy led the way as the first training academy that is part of a law enforcement agency to be nationally accredited. With the accreditation of the training academy, CALEA presented the City of Knoxville with the TRI-ARC Excellence Award for having successfully completed three accreditation programs – law enforcement, communications, and public safety training academy. The Law Enforcement Training Academy received its second accreditation award in November 2007 and is scheduled for its next assessment in August 2010.

The Knoxville Police Department is very involved in accreditation on a national level. There are currently three members of the department who are CALEA certified assessors. These officers have the opportunity to assess other agencies around the country on behalf of CALEA. Members of the department also participate on CALEA committees designed to review standards and improve the accreditation process.

Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employees’ safety; and processes to safeguard employees’ rights. Employees of the Knoxville Police Department take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.