The East Haven Police Department (EHPD) has joined exclusive ranks among police departments in the state after being awarded national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Chief Edward Lennon announced the accreditation on Aug. 9 in a statement published on the department’s Facebook page.

Lennon, Lieutenant Kerhen Bissette, and Sergeant Gregory Borer attended a CALEA conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on July 28, where members of the CALEA Commission interviewed them about EHPD’s compliance and dedication to the voluntary accreditation process. The commission voted in favor of accreditation, awarding the department for the fourth year in a row.

CALEA was established in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Accreditation is awarded to police departments that have demonstrated voluntary compliance with CALEA standards. Standards focus on comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities, preparedness for natural and man-made critical incidents, community relationship-building, as well as the continuous pursuit of excellence.

“It has always been our mission to provide the residents of East Haven with the highest level of police service, and we look forward to continuing that level of service for our community,” according to the statement.

Currently, only 31 departments in Connecticut are CALEA accredited, according to EHPD.