The Cornelius Police Department has achieved one of the highest distinctions for a law enforcement agency in the world, earning an accreditation with excellence designation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

The re-accreditation was announced at the Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night by Police Chief Bence Hoyle.

The CALEA designation, which culminates a three-year cycle, demonstrates an ongoing effort to not just meet but exceed 400 measurable standards.

Hoyle said only 5.2 percent of police departments are accredited by CALEA, and a much smaller number achieve distinction with excellence.