Accreditation
Accreditation is a way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. The key to this successful system lies in the consensus of published and circulated standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. In 1976, at the direction of the Washington State Legislature, WASPC President James McMahon appointed a task force to develop "standards and goals" for Washington State Law Enforcement.
The WASPC Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was conceived to recognize the achievement of meeting these standards. However, WASPC also realized that in order to do so many agencies would require assistance, particularly smaller cities and counties; therefore WASPC designed the Loaned Executive Program (LEMAP), a program to deliver agencies on-site managerial and technical support.
Washington was the first state to have a totally operational independent accreditation process. However, the WASPC Accreditation Program is not in competition with the national accreditation body, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Incorporated (CALEA). We are merely offering an affordable method of professionalizing police
departments that is tailored to meet the needs of their region and to help them better serve and protect their constituents.
Many agencies in Washington have already met WASPC professional standards and have had accreditation conferred upon them. Many other agencies are in the process of meeting the standards. The process is difficult and takes considerable time, effort, and determination on the part of the Chief or Sheriff to achieve. The stages of the accreditation process are as follows:
- Interest and Contract
- Self-Assessment
- Formal On-Site Assessment and Evaluation
In addition to looking for proof of meeting the standards, the on-site team interviews rank-and-file members of the police department to determine if they have been trained and are following the objective provisions of the standards. Team members also make random contacts with community and legislative body members to determine their perceptions of the agency seeking accreditation. Our experience has shown that approximately one-half of the police agencies need additional time for corrections, thus 60 days are allotted to meet the standards not met during the first on-site visit.
- Accreditation Commission
The on-site review team leader, the chief administrator of the agency seeking accreditation, and the departmental accreditation manager appear before the Accreditation Commission, for determination if they have met the standards
and that the on-site review team has done a complete job. This committee consists of: accredited agency Chiefs, Sheriffs and Accred Managers. This committee acts as a check and balance to ensure that the on-site team members
are forthright and candid in their observations and evaluations. To view the Accreditation Commision roster click here .
- WASPC Executive Board
After the review committee determines that the agency seeking accreditation has met all applicable standards, they recommend to the Executive Board of WASPC that the agency be accredited. The Executive Board then makes the final decision.
- Accreditation Conferred
A plaque is presented to the chief administrator at a semi-annual banquet. Photos are taken and media representatives are invited. Subsequent presentation can also be made in the agency's jurisdiction by the WASPC President or staff.
Proven benefits of participation in the WASPC accreditation program include:
- Improved morale within the police agency.
- Increased credibility with governing body.
- Increased pride in the agency.
- Systemized self-assessment.
- Broadened perspectives.
- Intensified administrative and operational effectiveness.
- Confidence that recruitment, selection, and promotion processes are fair and equitable.
- Strengthened understanding of agency policies and procedures by all police personnel.
- Decreased susceptibility to litigation and costly civil court settlements.
- Potential reduction in premiums for liability insurance.
- Greater public confidence in the agency.
- State and local acknowledgment of professional competence.
Meeting Minutes
Forms and Reports
Accreditation Contact:
Garry Anderson
Management Services Coordinator
ganderson@waspc.org |
