SHALIMAR — A team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. arrived June 15 to examine the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Sheriff Larry R. Ashley said.
The team's verification that the OCSO meets the commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation — highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence, Ashley said.
Anyone may offer comments about the OCSO during a public information session 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the OCSO Headquarters Training Room, 50 2nd St., Shalimar. In addition, the public may call 613-2400 between 1 and 3 p.m.
Those who want to write comments about the OCSO's ability to meet accreditation standards are requested to write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155.
Four-year accreditation validates the OCSO's ability to prevent and control crime through more effective, efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.
The OCSO must comply with 484 standards to gain accredited status, Ashley said. A copy of the standards is available for review at the OCSO Headquarters Building.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Accreditation team invites public comments Wednesday on Okaloosa sheriff's office