Accreditation

The public comment portal is now available through this link - http://cimrs2.calea.org/860

Members of the community are invited to provide comments, commendations, or concerns regarding the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office's compliance with accreditation standards.
 

CALEA Accreditation

In November 2022, Sheriff John Q. Williams and members of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office attended the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Inc. Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where the agency was awarded full accreditation for another four-year period. This marks the fourth time the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has achieved CALEA accreditation.

Accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates the agency's compliance with over 180 rigorous standards related to policy, accountability, use of force, community relations, and best practices in law enforcement.

What is CALEA Accreditation?

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Accreditation by CALEA signifies that a law enforcement agency meets internationally recognized standards of excellence. The process requires compliance with:

  • 189 professional standards for Full Law Enforcement Accreditation
  • 464 professional standards for Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation

These standards focus on policies, operational procedures, training, use of force, emergency preparedness, and accountability.

Benefits of CALEA Accreditation:

  • Establishes clear, uniform policies and directives
  • Enhances accountability within the agency and to the public
  • Supports informed decision-making through structured reporting and analysis
  • Improves emergency preparedness and response
  • Promotes positive community relationships
  • Demonstrates commitment to professionalism and ethical service
  • Reduces liability and risk exposure through adherence to validated standards

In 2015, CALEA assessors visited CCSO to conduct a thorough evaluation of policies, files, activities, and management strategies. Assessors interviewed members of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and allied public service agencies, all of whom praised CCSO’s professionalism and dedication to community service.
 At the November 2015 Commission meeting, CALEA unanimously voted to re-accredit CCSO, recognizing its ongoing commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

Accreditation History & Timeline:

    • November 2022 – Re-accredited at CALEA Conference in St. Louis, MO
    • July 2018 – Re-accredited at CALEA Conference in Grand Rapids, MI
    • March 2016 – Awarded Certification of Accreditation
    • November 2015 – Re-accredited at CALEA Conference in Miami, FL
    • August 2015 – On-site Law Enforcement Accreditation Assessment
    • July 21, 2012 – Initial Law Enforcement Accreditation Achieved
    • August 10, 2012 – Recognized by CALEA Commission
    • March 28–29, 2012 – CALEA On-site Assessment Conducted

About CALEA 

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) was established to improve the quality of law enforcement services by developing a set of professional standards and a process for agencies to demonstrate compliance. Since the first accreditation was awarded in 1984, CALEA has been recognized internationally as a benchmark for law enforcement professionalism.

The CALEA accreditation process includes:

  • Independent review by trained assessors
  • Internal self-assessments and continuous improvement
  • Recognition by professional law enforcement organizations worldwide

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