ChattComm 9-1-1 Authority Obtains CALEA Accreditation

The Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority, which serves the cities of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, received accreditation as part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program on November 22, 2014.

ChatComm, staffed and operated by IXP Corp, is the first private sector, outsourced communications center to receive accreditation, and one of the first accreditation efforts that was fully accomplished electronically with online review and Internet based policies and procedures.

“ChatComm is changing the model for public safety telecom centers,” said Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone. “They have set a high bar for service and the accreditation is added recognition of achievement.”

The accreditation process includes a self-evaluation as well as an extensive review of policies, procedures, management and operations by a team of independent assessors. In presenting the accreditation, CALEA officials recognized the uniqueness of ChatComm’s public-private model, noting that it was a first of its kind and a model for future centers.

“In public safety communications, accreditation from CALEA is a recognized seal of approval, and an important recognition of excellence in the industry,” said Joe Estey, managing director of IXP, which oversees ChatComm’s operations. “It speaks to the dedication and efforts of our 911 professionals, who work tirelessly to help those in emergency situations.”

CALEA’s accreditation program required ChatComm to comply with 218 standards in three basic areas: policy and procedures, administration and operations.

Established in 1979 by 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, CALEA is recognized internationally as the key credentialing authority for law enforcement agencies. CALEA awarded its first CALEA Communication Accreditation Award for 9-1-1 candidates in 1999.

ChatComm was formed in 2009 as a joint venture between Sandy Springs and Johns Creek for the provision of 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services. ChatComm also provides subscriber services for the cities of Dunwoody and Brookhaven.