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1. What is accreditation?

Accreditation is an extensive inspection of an agency’s policies, procedures and facility areas. The standards which must be met and maintained cover a vast area of requirements. Accreditation is a voluntary process; however, in 1993 the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of implementing a program to enhance professionalism in law enforcement agencies. Therefore, Florida Statute 943.125 was drafted, which in part, reads: It is the intent of the Legislature that law enforcement agencies in the state be upgraded and strengthened through the adoption of meaningful standards of operation for those agencies." "It is further the intent of the Legislature to encourage the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) and the Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA) to develop, either jointly or separately, a law enforcement agency accreditation program.

2. Who are the accrediting commissions?

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded accredited status by three separate accrediting commissions: The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), The Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC), and The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). There are approximately 260 CFA Standards which are met by the law enforcement segment of the agency; there are approximately 240 FCAC standards which are met by the corrections (jail) segment of the agency; and there are approximately 76 NCCHC standards which are met by the medical unit in the jail.

3. What is the accreditation process?

Once every three years, assessors from outside agencies are sent to our agency by the respective Commission they represent. These assessors are experienced law enforcement, correctional, and health care practitioners, who have demonstrated proficiency, knowledge, and expertise in their specialized areas, and have been selected and trained by the individual Commissions to conduct on-site assessments. The assessors review written directives, documentation, the physical agency, and agency practices to ensure compliance with applicable accreditation standards. The assessors then present their findings to the respective Commission, who determine whether the agency is granted accredited or reaccredited status.