Nashville, Tennessee --- The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) awarded the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) full accreditation last weekend at its annual conference in Reno, Nevada.

Full accreditation follows an on-site review by a CALEA assessor last August to determine whether the department met all 446 standards set forth by the law enforcement accreditation organization.

"Our staff inspection unit has worked very hard for this accomplishment, and especially Lieutenant Betty Blair," said Colonel Mike Walker. "I'm extremely proud of this accomplishment, and hope everyone in the department is as well."

"This is another example of the continuing improvements in the management and professionalism of the THP," said Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "Colonel Walker and his team are to be commended for this accomplishment."

Accreditation is granted for three years. During that time, the Department of Safety must submit annual reports that show it is continuing to operate by CALEA standards. The Tennessee Department of Safety first gained accreditation in 1999.

In 2005, CALEA granted the Tennessee Department of Safety accreditation with some conditions. During the weekend conference, a CALEA Review Board posed several questions before voting to grant full accreditation. "In their comments before voting, they told us we had convinced them we were headed in the right direction and were glad to give their approval," said Colonel Walker.

The THP will be back up for accreditation in 2008. "We will work very hard to get ready for our revisit in 2008, but I'm confident we'll be ready," said Colonel Walker. "This accreditation is evidence of the commitment and professionalism of this department."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.