NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement Starts Re-accreditation Process
April 10, 2009
NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement will begin a formal review on April 26 to retain its accreditation with the International Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Accreditation is a voluntary process for law enforcement agencies to demonstrate their compliance with national standards. The purpose of the accreditation program is to improve the delivery of law enforcement services. The accreditation process will also provide Office for Law Enforcement managers with assurance that the agency is meeting its internal policies and procedures, as well as facilitate a review of the office’s status and readiness. Approximately 3.5 percent of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are accredited. The standards cover Office for Law Enforcement’s management, organization, administration, communications, property and evidence control, and relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
Public comment is an integral part of the review process. If you have experience working with the Office for Law Enforcement on enforcement initiatives, or have interacted with office personnel as a constituent, you are encouraged to contact the commission.
The commission was formed in 1979 to provide accreditation to agencies that comply with national standards and illustrate professional excellence. The commission is comprised of four national and international law enforcement agencies, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Police Executives Research Forum, the National Sheriffs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Written comments will be accepted from April 10 through April 24 to:
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
Attention: Maya Mitchell
10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100
Fairfax, Va., 22030
A team from the commission will accept verbal comments at 301-495-7132 on Monday, April 27, between 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT. Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation.
For more information, contact the commission at 800-368-3757.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.