An accreditation program has long been known as

An accreditation program has long been known as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. It is a certification process by an independent peer review. Hospitals and colleges are some of the most well known organizations that are required to maintain accreditation.

FLORIDA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION In 1993, Florida Statute 943. 125 encouraged the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the Florida Police Chief’s Association to create an independent and voluntary law enforcement accreditation program, known as CFA (Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. ). The Commission is composed of sheriffs, police chiefs, and representatives from local government. They meet quarterly to oversee the accreditation program and to officially accredit agencies that have passed the review process.

ACCREDITATION OVERVIEW Accreditation requires an in depth review of every aspect of the agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration to include: Establishes goals and objectives and provisions for periodic updating Re-evaluation of whether the agency resources are being used in accord with the agency’s goals, objectives and mission. Provides norms whereby agency performance can be measured and monitored over time. Provides objective measures to justify decisions related to budget requests and personnel policies. Serves as a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of the agency programs and services. Provides for a re-evaluation of policies and procedures. Corrects internal deficiencies and inefficiencies before they become public problems. Reduces some civil liability awards because of established and accepted standards of performance.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO OUR AGENCY? Accreditation requires that the agency policies are in written form and are available to agency personnel at all times. Policies must be up-to-date, providing employees with current and timely information to do their jobs. The agency is required to work within specific guidelines, and must maintain compliance with the standards set forth by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation is a desirable award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. It assures state leaders of the quality of service delivered by law enforcement. It guarantees the Accreditation Manager will never run out of work to do!

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY? It increases the agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services. It enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. This increases citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency. Accreditation creates a forum or partnership in which citizens and the police work together to control and prevent crime. This partnership will help citizens understand the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law enforcement will, in turn, receive clear direction from the community about its expectations.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ME? Accreditation policies address officer safety issues and provide adequate training and equipment for officers. It makes the agency responsible for following its own policies and procedures. Accreditation assures employees that every aspect of the agency’s personnel system is in agreement with professional standards, and that the system is both fair and equitable. Employees take pride in knowing their agency represents the very best in law enforcement. You’ll never run out of reading material!

Citizens receive top quality law enforcement services! It strengthens the agency’s defense against law suits and complaints! Officers gain added protection from frivolous lawsuits because the agency’s policies have been reviewed by law enforcement professionals!