Anchorage Airport Police Department Achieves Prestigious Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) awarded the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Fire Department national accreditation.

The first agency in Alaska to receive this recognition, the Airport Police and Fire Department joins more than 800 other law enforcement agencies across the globe in meeting strict standards and policies set by CALEA.

“CALEA accreditation is the gold standard for police organizations. The accreditation process is rigorous and validates that ANC’s policies, procedures, and officers are topnotch,” said Airport Manager Jim Szczesniak. “We are proud of our officers for achieving this prestigious credential which reflects ANC’s broader dedication to achieve excellence for our passengers, airlines, tenants and the State of Alaska.”

The process for accreditation began in 2016 with the department’s initial program enrollment and self-assessment. After conducting their own rigorous assessment of the department, CALEA issued a positive Commission Review Decision to award accreditation.

The department must continually review and evaluate department policies and procedures to ensure they continue to meet the highest standards. The department will be subject to annual analyses and must be reaccredited on a regular basis.

“I am extremely proud of the men and women in this department who have worked with determination over the last three years to bring this distinction to the Airport Police and Alaska,” said Chief Jesse Davis.

The Airport Police and Fire Department is the third largest law enforcement agency in the State of Alaska. The department consists of more than 70 men and women, and among only a handful of U.S. agencies simultaneously providing aircraft rescue, firefighting and law enforcement services.