Accreditation

Accreditation Overview

The purpose of law enforcement agency accreditation is to professionalize the law enforcement industry by providing a review process for agencies to be certified as operating under industry best practices and standards. In 1976 the Association was directed by the Washington State Legislature to develop standards and goals for Washington State Law Enforcement. The Association has maintained an operational accreditation program since that time.

The current accreditation program was updated in 2007 and is continually updated as needed. The program is overseen by the WASPC Professional Services Committee, Accreditation Commission, and Board of Directors. The membership wanted the program to reflect the highest professional standards of policing yet be financially accessible to any member agency that desired to earn it. The main differences between previous WASPC accreditation programs and the current program are: 

  1. All standards are "have-to practices" as determined by law or a universal practice within the profession;
  2. The number of standards is less than 150 but all are mandatory for every agency; and,
  3. The dominant verification method by the on-site assessors includes the examination of written documents, observations and interviews with the agency employees. Assessors review agency files for policies and procedures as well as documentation showing the agency is operating under the direction of those policies and procedures. Assessors will also interview agency members to gather additional information.

The Accreditation Committee is responsible for maintaining accreditation standards, directing assigned WASPC staff and oversight of the program. The Accreditation Commission is responsible for reviewing accreditation on-site reports and making recommendations to the Board of Directors on whether an agency should receive WASPC Accreditation. The Board of Directors is responsible for conferring accreditation.

Accreditation Promotional Materials

 Benefits of Accreditation Include

  • To increase public confidence in the agency;
  • To increase credibility;
  • To provide systemized agency self-assessment;
  • To broaden perspectives;
  • To intensify administrative and operational effectiveness;
  • To ensure recruitment, selection, and promotion processes are fair and equitable;
  • To strengthen understanding of agency policies and procedures by agency personnel;
  • To improve agency morale and pride;
  • To decrease susceptibility to litigation and costly civil court settlements;
  • To potentially reduce liability insurance costs;
  • To provide state and local recognition of professional competence.

Additional Program Resources: 

LE ACCREDITATION GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCREDITATION COMMISSION
JAIL ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

CALEA INFORMATION

ASSESSOR/MENTOR CERITFICATION PROGRAM

  • Accreditation Mentor Program Description
  • Assessor/Mentor Certification Application

    There is no greater gift than time delivered with and experienced and caring hand.  Thank you for coaching other agencies through the WASPC accreditation process.

    Current WASPC Certified Mentors
    Kathy Armstrong - Spokane Police Department
    Lorraine Shore - Clallam County Sheriff's Office
    Joie Worthen - Mountlake Terrace Police Department
    Renee Berry - WA Criminal Justice Training Commission
    Joe Upton - Lacey Police Department
    Shyla Nelson - Camas Police Department
    Randy Maynard (Retired) - Kennewick Police Department

Accreditation Pins 
The Professional Services Committee and the WASPC Board approved one (1) pin style that will be supplied by WASPC and two other styles that are available for direct purchase through our supplier Symbol Arts at agency expense. We have created an online form that provides information to request WASPC provided pins, and Symbol Arts contact information for agencies wishing to direct order one of the other options.

Please submit your requests via the online form (link below). Delivery is approximately 6-8 weeks after the order is placed. Once received, WASPC will fulfill those requests.

The following link opens a form that explains the options available to each agency.  Please note that WASPC is not involved in the purchase of alternate pins by accredited agencies.

To access the online accreditation pin information and order form click here.

Contact Information: 

Dave Doll, Director of Professional Services
(360) 339-3390 (direct)
[email protected]
*The WASPC Accreditation Program was not created to conflict or compete with the CALEA Program.