OREANDA-NEWS. As part of Union Pacific's efforts to gain national law enforcement accreditation, The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) has scheduled a public assessment of Union Pacific's Response Management Communications Center (RMCC).

"Seeking accreditation for the RMCC demonstrates Union Pacific's commitment to effective public safety communication in support of its employees, communities and customers," said Josh Closson, senior director - Union Pacific Railroad Police. "Through this process we will ensure that Union Pacific is continually meeting the highest level of internationally recognized standards for public safety communications."

CALEA accreditation requires the RMCC to comply with advanced standards in four areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services. The process consists of five phases: enrollment, self-assessment, on-site assessment, commission review and decision, and maintaining compliance.

As part of the on-site assessment phase, the general public and Union Pacific employees are invited to provide feedback about the RMCC via phone at 877-859-9008, Monday, Aug. 12, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. CDT. Comments will be processed by the CALEA assessment team. Calls are limited to 10 minutes and must address the RMCC's abilities to comply with CALEA standards. Access to the standards is available through Union Pacific Railroad Police Headquarters, located at 1400 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68179.

Written comments also will be accepted and can be sent to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Va. 22030-2215.

CALEA was established in 1979 as a result of combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research Fund (PERF) to establish a law enforcement credentialing authority. According to CALEA, today, only 17 percent of U.S. law enforcement agencies have earned CALEA accreditation.