Two major studies have translated aspects of police management into useful data. One of these, the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, was published in 1973. In 1982, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), used management concepts from this study and other sources to develop a specific, applicable, and flexible format for long-range planning and informed management decisionmaking. CALEA standards establish a proven administrative system that results in regulated and decentralized management and improved performance. While it is possible to meet CALEA standards without going through the formal certification process and paying the required fees, CALEA certification provides greater incentive for organizational change. In addition, an agency not using the certification process may not have the ability to complete an unbiased evaluation of its efforts. While self-assessment is necessary within a police agency, the inspection by CALEA personnel provides independent and valuable input. By dictating standards rather than specific procedures, CALEA allows for the needs, traditions, and politics of a specific agency while improving management capabilities and increasing professionalism in policing.