Benefits of Accreditation

Following accreditation best practices in your daily activities will make your agency more effective. When a law enforcement agency commits to the accreditation process, they target excellence in all aspects of policing, including leadership, training, and resource management. They are also committing to maintaining the accreditation benchmarks on a recurring basis to retain their accreditation status over time.

Accountability to your community is another benefit of law enforcement accreditation. When town councils or oversight boards have questions involving training, use-of-force incidents, or evidence handling, the accreditation process ensures easy access and sharing of information, which helps make an agency both accountable and transparent. Improved transparency and accountability lead to more community trust. Community leaders that know their police force is focused and working diligently towards adopting "gold standards" created by an accrediting body will better appreciate their law enforcement agency's dedication and service to the communities they serve.

Accreditation status can make it easier for an agency to purchase liability insurance at a reduced cost. Taxpayers also benefit from an adequately insured law enforcement agency. Accredited agencies, by verified compliance with agency policies and procedures, are better able to defend themselves against costly litigations and citizen complaints. Many accredited agencies have reported a decline in actions filed against them.

Accredited agencies have an outside, objective stamp of approval that is earned through the internal and then the external evaluation based on the best law enforcement practices and standards available. Accreditation establishes pride and satisfaction in the agency and the confidence that accompanies success.