7 Shocking Facts About The Cleveland City Police Department TN: Elite Units, 2025 Recruitment, And CALEA Status

The Cleveland City Police Department (CPD) in Tennessee stands out as one of the most highly accredited and professionally managed law enforcement agencies in the state, a fact that many residents may not fully realize. As of December 17, 2025, the department is actively focused on its 2025 Employee Selection Process, aiming to recruit the most qualified applicants to maintain its high operational standards and authorized strength of 105 certified police officers.

Operating out of Bradley County, the CPD is not just a standard municipal force; it is a complex organization led by Chief Mark Gibson and Assistant Chief Stacy Smith, committed to promoting safety and lowering the crime rate through a blend of specialized units, community-focused programs, and rigorous professional standards.

The Elite Status of Cleveland Police Department: CALEA Accreditation and Leadership

The Cleveland Police Department (CPD) has achieved an elite operational status that places it among the best law enforcement agencies nationwide. This distinction is primarily rooted in its long-standing commitment to professional excellence and accountability.

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CALEA: An Accreditation That Puts CPD in the Top 3%

One of the most significant markers of the department's quality is its accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The Cleveland Police Department has been re-accredited for the fifth time, a rare achievement that places the department in the top three percent of all police departments in the state of Tennessee.

This accreditation is not merely a badge; it signifies that the CPD adheres to a comprehensive body of operational and policy standards covering everything from use of force and training to records management and evidence handling.

Key Leadership and Staffing

The department is helmed by Police Chief Mark Gibson, who oversees the entire operation, with Assistant Chief of Police Stacy Smith providing critical support in the daily management of the force. The CPD is authorized for a significant staff size, including 105 Certified Police Officers, 11 full-time civilian employees, one part-time civilian employee, and 13 dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs).

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This robust staffing, organized into key administrative structures like the Operations Bureau and the Professional Standards division, is essential for maintaining the high quality of life for Cleveland citizens.

Specialized Divisions and High-Stakes Operations

The CPD is structured with highly specialized divisions designed to handle the most complex and dangerous situations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to law enforcement that goes beyond routine patrol duties.

The Support Services Division: SWAT, K9, and EOD

The Support Services Division houses some of the department's most critical operational units. This division is home to the elite SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics), which is called upon for high-risk operations, hostage situations, and warrant service.

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The department also maintains a highly trained Canine Unit (K9 Unit), which provides trained canines and handlers to assist in the prevention and detection of crime, including narcotics detection and tracking missing persons or suspects. Furthermore, the CPD is equipped with an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit, which handles the assessment and safe disposal of potential explosive devices, a vital service for public safety.

Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for following up on major crimes and conducting complex, long-term investigations. This division includes support services such as crime scene investigation and evidence processing, which provide vital assistance to police personnel in building strong cases for prosecution.

Recent High-Profile Operations and TBI Involvement

The CPD is regularly involved in significant law enforcement actions. In a recent example, the CPD was central to the investigation of a deadly shooting at the Barku Plastics plant, where Captains and investigators worked to identify the victims, Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot, and name the suspected gunman. Moreover, the department works closely with state and federal partners, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which recently resulted in the arrest of a former Cleveland Police Officer following an investigation into misconduct.

Community Engagement and Citizen Services

A core mission of the Cleveland Police Department is to foster a strong relationship with the community it serves. This is achieved through a variety of outreach and service programs designed to bridge the gap between officers and citizens.

Programs for Youth and Citizens

The Community Relations Unit was specifically created to manage and strengthen this bond. Key initiatives include:

• Youth Citizen's Police Academy: An annual program, with applications available for 2024, designed to educate and engage children between the ages of 9 and 14 about law enforcement operations and civic responsibility.
• School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: Dedicated officers are stationed in Cleveland schools to ensure student safety, act as mentors, and build trust with the younger generation.
• Youth Explorer Program: This program provides an opportunity for young adults interested in a career in law enforcement to gain hands-on experience and training.
• Citizens Assisting Police (CAP): A general volunteer program that allows citizens to directly support the department's non-sworn activities.

Essential Citizen Support Services

Beyond community outreach, the CPD offers numerous essential services to the public, accessible both in person and online:

• Public Service Unit (PSU): A volunteer program composed of non-sworn positions that support the police department and the City of Cleveland.
• Online Reporting and Crime Map: Citizens can file a police report, submit tips, and view the local crime map through platforms like CityProtect.
• Animal Control: The department handles animal services, a crucial component of public health and safety within the City of Cleveland.
• Traffic and Parking Law Enforcement: Dedicated units manage traffic flow and enforce parking regulations to maintain order and safety on Cleveland's roadways.
• Chaplain Unit: A nine-member unit provides spiritual and emotional support to both officers and community members during times of crisis.

In summary, the Cleveland City Police Department in Tennessee operates as a model law enforcement agency, balancing high-level professional accreditation with deep community engagement. Through the efforts of its specialized units—from the SWAT and K9 teams to the Community Relations Unit—and its commitment to continuous recruitment and training, the CPD remains dedicated to its primary objective: ensuring a high quality of life for the citizens of Bradley County.