Charleston International Airport Police maintains national Law Enforcement Accreditation
March 27, 2025
The Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department was awarded national law enforcement program (s) accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) on March 21, 2025.
The accreditation recognition signifies the Aviation Authority Police Department’s public safety excellence and community commitment. This is the Department’s second national accreditation award. The Department has now moved into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle, which includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.
“I am extremely proud of the efforts and due diligence of all of the members of the Aviation Authority Police Department during this process. The standards set forth by CALEA reflect the Gold Standard in Public Safety,” said Authority Police Chief Jim Woods. “Their efforts did not go unnoticed and were recognized by the CALEA assessors during this process.”
“Earning CALEA accreditation for the second time is a testament to the outstanding professionalism and dedication of our Airport Police Department,” said Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO of Charleston International Airport. “This achievement reinforces our commitment to the highest safety and security standards, ensuring that every passenger traveling through our airport enjoys a seamless and secure experience. Our team’s hard work and adherence to best practices make a real difference in providing a welcoming and protected environment for all.”
In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum.
The Commission’s purpose is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety and establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates that it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
