By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Published October 6, 2025
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is calling on residents to share their voices as the department seeks national reaccreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) — a process that ensures police departments meet the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and community service.
Through CALEA’s online public comment portal, residents can submit feedback on HPD’s performance in areas such as public safety delivery, transparency, community engagement, and professionalism. Both commendations and concernsare welcome and will be reviewed directly by CALEA evaluators as part of the department’s official assessment.
HPD first achieved CALEA accreditation in 1996 and has successfully maintained it ever since. The recognition, considered the gold standard in public safety, affirms that an agency adheres to rigorous, nationally recognized best practices in modern policing.
“HPD strives to meet and exceed CALEA’s accreditation standards,” said Police Chief Kirk Giles. “Through this process, our department has strengthened training, improved policies, and implemented practices that allow us to better protect and serve the people of Huntsville.”
City leaders say Huntsville’s growth makes public input even more vital. The reaccreditation process not only measures operational performance but also gives residents a direct way to help shape the future of local policing.
“Community feedback is an essential part of maintaining public trust,” said Chief Giles. “It’s how we continue improving and stay accountable to the people we serve.”
Residents can share feedback by visiting the CALEA Public Comment Portal, available through the City of Huntsville’s official website. The comment period will remain open through the evaluation period this fall.