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In our search for "Model Policy," we looked at Florida law enforcement agencies that were dually accredited. These agencies went through a rigorous self assessment as well as on-site assessments to insure compliance with the latest professional standards. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency's ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves. It also creates a way in which police and citizens can work together to control and prevent crime. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) was formed in 1979 by four premier law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). The commission was formed for two reasons: to develop a set of law enforcement standards and to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies could demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery. The major benefits of accreditation are controlled liability insurance costs, stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints, greater accountability within the agency, increased community advocacy, and improved employee morale. Agencies will remain accredited fo r a period of three years. Reaccreditation occurs at the end of the three years, pending another successful on-site assessment and hearing before the Commission. In 1993, Florida Statute 943.125 directed that the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association create a voluntary law enforcement accreditation program. Representatives from these Associations developed a process for accreditation which required compliance with more than 250 professional standards designed specifically for Florida law enforcement agencies. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation has been recognized as a program that maintains the highest standards of professionalism. An assessment team is sent by the Commission that conducts an on-site review of the agency's own policies, procedures, and practices. As with CALEA, agencies remain accredited for a period of three years. |
