Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council
The Accreditation Council consists of 19 members and adopts standards, sets policy and has exclusive authority to grant accreditation to law enforcement agencies. DCJS provides staff support to the council, provide technical support to participating agencies and oversee the administration of the program. The Governor appoints council members and the council meets quarterly.
The Standards
The accreditation standards are divided into three categories. Standards in the Administration Section cover topics such as agency organization, fiscal management, personnel practices, evidence and property management, and records. Training Standards encompass basic and in-service instruction as well as training for supervisors and specialized or technical assignments. Operations Standards deal with such critical and litigious topics as high-speed pursuits, roadblocks, patrol, and unusual occurrences.
Participating agencies are expected to implement all program standards. However, local laws and collective bargaining agreements are binding in nature and take precedence over program standards. In rare instances, a waiver by the Council may be obtained if an agency is unable to meet a standard.
The standards provide a detailed blueprint for professionalism that every law enforcement agency in the state can meet. They have been carefully designed to meet the following criteria:
Credible
The Accreditation Program has been endorsed by major law enforcement management and labor groups in New York as well as by the leading state associations of elected officials. Several private insurance companies have also demonstrated their confidence in the accreditation process by offering accredited agencies significant discounts in annual liability premiums.
Realistic
Program standards were drafted by experienced law enforcement professionals with the practitioner in mind. Consequently, the standards do not require agencies to establish specialized units or purchase expensive new equipment. Agencies of all sizes have successfully implemented every program requirement.
Flexible
Program standards specify what an agency must do to achieve accreditation status, not how the agency should go about doing it. The standards allow chief executive officers the flexibility to address local concerns in the ways that they deem most appropriate.
Uniquely suited to New York State
Program standards incorporate key provisions of New York State laws, codes, rules and regulations, and requirements set forth by the Municipal Police Training Council. The standards were designed BY New York State law enforcement professionals specifically FOR New York State law enforcement.
Effective
Evaluation data demonstrates that the implementation of program standards has helped agencies of all sizes to enhance the quality of their services in specific, cost-effective ways. The standards have earned the confidence and support of law enforcement executives throughout the state.