The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the operations of almost every organization around the globe, and has caused individuals to adjust their daily life activities to maintain personal safety and health. In this new reality, CALEA has focused on continuing its services for the public safety industry, with respect to the demands placed on the professionals working in that environment.
As you know, the Commission cancelled the March 2020 CALEA Conference, and in April announced that the July conference originally scheduled to take place in Oklahoma City, OK, would be held via a virtual platform. We know this is not ideal but given the situation many of us find ourselves in, we are excited about what we have planned for our first CALEA Virtual Conference.
As we work out the details, please go ahead and plan for registration to open on Monday, June 29, 2020. Over the next several weeks, we will provide additional information related to registration, agendas, agency review hearings and more.
That brings us to an important announcement. CALEA has and always will be committed to the needs of public safety agencies. This has been a difficult time financially for everyone, including CALEA. As you know, the majority of CALEA’s operating expenses are paid from the revenues earned during our three annual conferences. Our March conference was cancelled, our July conference is moving to a virtual environment and none of us really know what November will bring. Thankfully, the Commission has always worked judiciously to be a responsible financial steward. As a result, CALEA will provide the July Virtual Conference at no cost to attendees. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity by not only attending, but also inviting other non-accredited agencies so they can get a better understanding of what it means to be a Gold Standard organization.
Again, we are still in the process of developing the virtual conference; however, if you have any questions concerning the conference, please contact your regional program manager, or any member of the CALEA staff at (703) 352-4225. CALEA remains the preeminent leader in public safety accreditation because of your engagement and support, and we look forward to providing the very best services possible as we learn to navigate the implications of this new challenge. As members of an elite group of public safety professionals, you can rest assured we will work diligently to ensure CALEA represents the Gold Standard for all public safety agencies internationally.