Professionalization of any occupation occurs when members establish and implement standards of operation. Police leaders interested in seeking accreditation should be prepared to change and should have the financial and personnel resources needed to undergo assessment and make the required changes. The backbone of accreditation is a comprehensive system of rules, policies, procedures and special orders. Next in the process is a self-assessment, followed by an on-site assessment. CALEA selects the assessors, out-of-state law enforcement professionals who pose no conflict of interest with the applicant agency. By submitting annual reports, a newly accredited agency maintains its status for 3 years. Re-accreditation then entails only an on-site assessment and final hearing. The article details the accreditation process for the Long Hill Township, New Jersey, Police Department. Notes