The Downers Grove Police Department wants to hear from residents about public safety priorities through a new online survey open through Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The Citizen Survey is part of the department's ongoing accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), according to a Village of Downers Grove announcement. The department said the survey gives residents a chance to share concerns and help shape how police serve the community.

CALEA is a national credentialing body created in 1979 that evaluates law enforcement agencies against more than 450 professional standards. Those standards cover policies, training, operations, community engagement and accountability measures.

The survey comes months after the department earned its eighth consecutive Advanced Accreditation from CALEA, the organization's highest recognition level. The Village announced that award on June 4. The accreditation took effect March 14 and runs for four years.

The department first earned accreditation in 2003. Each cycle includes a self-assessment, review by independent assessors and a public feedback component.

"This achievement belongs to every member of the Department whose dedication and professionalism make Downers Grove a safe and stronger community," Chief Mike DeVries said in the June 4 announcement.

Mayor Bob Barnett said at the time that the accreditation reinforces the trust residents place in the department.

CALEA reviewers noted the department's outreach to residents, schools, civic organizations and social service agencies, according to the Village's June 4 announcement. The report credited those efforts with strengthening ties between police and the community.

The survey is available through a Google Forms link on the Village's pressroom page. Residents with questions can contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 850 Curtiss St. or call (630) 434-5600.