DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Dubuque Police Department (DPD) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to professional excellence, successfully completing its 10th CALEA reaccreditation in 2024. First accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 1993, the department has now held this nationally recognized “gold standard” designation for more than three decades.

CALEA accreditation requires agencies to meet rigorous, comprehensive standards—currently around 459—covering critical areas such as use-of-force policies, hiring and training, evidence handling, community engagement, and operational transparency. The process includes detailed self-assessments, independent on-site reviews by CALEA assessors, and opportunities for public input, ensuring ongoing accountability and high performance.

The 2024 reaccreditation builds on the department’s history of recognition, including previous Meritorious Accreditation Awards in earlier cycles. This sustained achievement reflects DPD’s dedication to best practices while fulfilling its mission: “Enhancing community livability by providing community service and protection through integrity, honor, and pride.”

To strengthen public trust and transparency, CALEA provides an independent public comment portal. Residents and stakeholders can submit feedback, commendations, or concerns related to the department’s compliance with CALEA standards. Submissions go directly to CALEA and are not shared with DPD staff. The portal is not intended for filing criminal complaints or formal investigations—those should be directed through standard department or emergency channels.

How to Access the CALEA Public Comment Portal:

1.  Through the DPD Website

•  Visit: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/209/Police

•  Select: General Information → Accreditation

•  Click: “Access the CALEA public portal”

•  Complete and submit the feedback form

2.  Directly Through CALEA

•  Go to: http://calea.org

•  Scroll to: Public Comment Portal (bottom of page)

•  Search for: “Dubuque (IA) Police Department”

•  Complete and submit the feedback form

Public input plays a key role in CALEA’s evaluation process, helping identify strengths and opportunities for continued improvement.

For questions about accreditation or the public portal, contact Cpl. Chris Gorrell at 563-587-3806.

Headquartered at the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center (770 Iowa Street), the DPD—authorized for 109 sworn officers and nine civilian employees—continues to serve the community across its five divisions: Administration & Staff Services, Patrol, Community Oriented Policing, Criminal Investigations, and Records.

This latest reaccreditation underscores the department’s long-term commitment to professionalism, accountability, and community-focused policing in Dubuque.