The Accreditation Unit manages the Department's international and state accreditation efforts and conducts policy review.
Accreditation is a voluntary process whereby a law enforcement agency enters into an agreement with an accrediting body to have their practices and policies reviewed, and to demonstrate agency compliance with established professional law enforcement standards and best practices. The intent of the standards is to:
- Enhance the department's capability to prevent and control crime.
- Enhance effectiveness and efficiency of department services.
- Enhance cooperation and coordination between the Department and other agencies.
- Enhance citizen and employee confidence in the policies and practices of the Department.
The Department was first accredited in 1985 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) and was the sixth agency in the country to be accredited. The Department has been reaccredited eight times. In 2006, the Department was recognized by CALEA for its professional excellence by having been CALEA-accredited for 15 or more continuous years and received an enhanced Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation. In 2018, the Department underwent a Gold Standard Review during its accreditation on-site. As a result of the Department’s efforts, in July 2018, the Department received it ninth reaccreditation and was awarded Advanced Accreditation. Additionally, the Department was selected by the Commissioners of CALEA to receive the Accreditation with Excellence Award, documenting the Department's commitment and efforts to professionalism, excellence and a benchmark for law enforcement agencies internationally. The Award attaches to the Department's Advanced Accreditation status for a period of four years. Additionally, the Department continues its status as a Meritorious agency for its continued demonstration and commitment to law enforcement professionalism. In 2003, the Department was accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA) and was awarded its fifth reaccreditation in October 2018 and was recognized as an Excelsior agency. Additionally, the Department was found to be in 100% compliance with all applicable standards by both CALEA and CFA.
The accreditation process is ongoing and challenges the Department to continually assess itself to ensure that it is providing best practices and services to its clients. The Department undergoes periodic on-site assessment by the accrediting bodies to ensure its compliance with professional standards. The Department is committed to this process and undergoes self-assessment through regular staff inspections.
The Accreditation Unit can be reached at 727-892-5463.