WCSO WORKING TOWARDS ACCREDITATION

Your WCSO is working towards accreditation. This means that our policies and procedures are reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA serves to ensure high levels of professionalism, and alignment with up-to-date case law standards. By becoming an accredited law enforcement agency, it accomplishes a multitude of very positive tasks.
 
First and foremost, it aligns our standard operating procedures to widely accepted, and case law driven practices. This means that our operational, interview, and detainment practices are within the scope of what is permissible through local, state, and federal law, as well as legal precedent. This allows for a second set of eyes on what we set as the standard in our department, allowing for more accountability at all levels.
 
This accountability is the second thing that accreditation offers our department. CALEA ensures a strong on-boarding process, and field training program, where recruits are put through one-on-one training while on-the-job. This ensures every action our deputies take is rooted in policy, training, and law.  
 
Thirdly, accreditation is not a one-and-done event. To be accredited is to have constant review and updates to how the WCSO operates in all capacities. This policy mandates everything from uniform wear, to handcuffing and arrest tactics. Having the most relevant procedural manual ensures that our department is shielded from undue liability.
 
That brings us to another great thing that accreditation can do: it reduces liability and can even lead to savings to the county on insurance premiums. By adhering to the strictest and most relevant policy available, it reduces liability to the deputy and to our department. In a world where the public is highly informed, and can get information in an instant, it’s increasingly more important to earn, and keep trust between our office, and the people we serve.
 
Accreditation serves to be a huge steppingstone forward for our agency. CALEA certified agencies are committed to excellence and accountability, and that has been Sheriff Smith’s vision from the start. This journey of accreditation began under now retired Chief Anthony Leach. Current Chief Deputy Ralph Williams has picked up the mantle, and attended the CALEA conference this week. We look forward to continuing this venture, and becoming one of only three Sheriff’s Offices in the state of Alabama to achieve this. We’ve been working towards this for the last year, but it usually takes 36 months, on average, to become a certified agency. Tune back in, because we’re full steam ahead!