CLARK REGIONAL
EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY
Always here, always ready.
710 W. 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 737 - 1911
cresa911.org
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA)
Receives 5th Accreditation through CALEA
CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) was re-awarded CALEA national accreditation on
March 21, 2015, upon completion of a 3 year self-assessment phase and a thorough on-site inspection
of policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA Assessors. CRESA Director Anna Pendergrass
and Accreditation Manager Robin Bacon were informed of this unanimous decision from the panel of
CALEA Commissioners at the annual accreditation hearing before in Reno, Nevada. This marks
CRESA’s 5th CALEA accreditation since CRESA’s original accredited by CALEA on November 16, 2002.
That initial accreditation, the second 9-1-1 communications center on the West Coast to receive
accreditation, was in effect for a period of three years and CRESA has been continuously reaccredited
on a three year cycle since then. The achievement of CALEA accreditation signifies that CRESA is
meeting the highest national standards for public safety communication centers as established by an
independent body. Accreditation shows the public, as well as the agencies we serve, that we are
pursuing a course of excellence in our daily operations.
The Accreditation process does not end after an agency becomes accredited. The agency must
continue to maintain and demonstrate proof that compliance with CALEA standards is maintained on an
on-going basis. Each year our agency is tasked with verifying that we continue to comply with CALEA
Standards. This is verified by review of directives, the gathering of proofs of compliance and an annual
report that must be completed by our agency. Some examples of the areas we verify are an annual
analysis of grievances and an analysis of complaints our agency has received to determine if any
patterns exist that require disciplines and/or remedial training. We also verify if we are in noncompliance with any mandatory standards and whether any non-mandatory standard’s status has
changed.
The CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program provides a communications center, or
the communications unit of a public safety agency, with a process to systemically review and internally
assess its operations and procedures. Since the first CALEA Communication Accreditation Award was
granted in 1999, the program has become the primary method for a communications agency to
voluntarily demonstrate its commitment to excellence.
The standards upon which the Public Safety Communications Accreditation
Program is based reflect the current thinking and experience of public safety
communications executives and accreditation experts. APCO International
(Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc.), the
leading communications membership association, was a partner in the
development of CALEA’s Standards for Public Safety Communications Agencies© and its Accreditation
Program. The Public Safety Communications Standards Manual contains standards organized into seven
chapters or topic areas: 1) Organization; 2) Direction and Supervision; 3) Human Resources; 4)
Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion; 5) Training; 6) Operations; and 7) Critical Incidents, Special
Operations, and Homeland Security. Both CALEA and APCO view the standards as reflecting the best
professional requirements and practices for a public safety communications agency.
For alternative formats: ADA OFFICE VOICE (360) 737-1911 FAX (360) 694-1954 RELAY 7-1-1 or 800-833-6388
cresa@clark.wa.gov cresa911.org
CLARK REGIONAL
EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY
Always here, always ready.
710 W. 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 737 - 1911
cresa911.org
BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION
CONTROLLED LIABILITY INSURANCE COSTS – Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to
purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more
easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums. CRESA has received $1,000 reimbursement
from our insurance carrier for maintaining CALEA Accreditation.
CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE TO STANDARDS CREATES PREDICTABILITY IN SERVICE – Since
accredited agencies hold themselves to known and consistent standards and “best practices,” they are
often better prepared to provide information about service expectations and to answer citizen
questions or complaints. Many agencies report a decline in complaints and legal actions against them
once they become accredited.
GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN THE AGENCY – Accreditation standards give the Agency a proven
management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine
reports that support decision making and resource allocation.
STAUNCH SUPPORT FROM STAKEHOLDERS AND THE COMMUNITY – Accreditation provides objective
evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and servicedelivery. Thus, stakeholders and the community are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate
efficiently and meet community needs.
IMPROVED EMPLOYEE MORALE – 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 take pride in their department, knowing it represents the very
best.
You can learn more about CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation at
http://www.calea.org/content/public-safety-communications-accreditation.
For alternative formats: ADA OFFICE VOICE (360) 737-1911 FAX (360) 694-1954 RELAY 7-1-1 or 800-833-6388
cresa@clark.wa.gov cresa911.org