The Office of Accreditation and Standards is a component of Support Services under the direction of Captain Lenda Clark who reports to the Director of Support Services, G. A. Bennett. Lieutenant Doug Wilson is currently assigned as the Accreditation Manager.

Mission Perspective:

The setting of professional standards and adherence to these standards is the foundation of any organization. The importance of these standards in the private sector can be the difference in staying in business or shutting down. However, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel as public servants are accountable to the citizens of Hamilton County making it even more critical. Citizens can choose which services or products they wish to purchase in the private sector but in the area of public safety when you call for assistance a citizen only has one choice. With this in mind, “How dare we do not strive to be our very best.”

Mission:

The Mission of the Office of Accreditation and Standards is to develop professional Standards for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, monitor compliance of these standards, and to never be complacent in the need to constantly evaluate standards. This Mission is aimed toward the overall Mission of the Sheriff’s Office being; Commitment to excellence for all citizens with fair and equitable performance.

Vision

CALEA Accreditation - In January 2010 the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office chose to start the accreditation process through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®) and is currently working on the enrollment process as well as developing new compliance standards. The realization of this proven management model will be our commitment to 462 internationally recognized standards.

These standards (directives/policies) will affect all areas of the HCSO, addressing nine major law enforcement subjects:

1. role, responsibilities and relationships with other agencies
2. organization, management and administration
3. personnel structure
4. personnel process
5. operations
6. operations support
7. traffic operations
8. detainee and court-related activities
9. auxiliary and technical services

CALEA® requires that agencies develop a comprehensive, well-thought-out, uniform set of written directives which rigorously look at each of the subjects listed above, make the necessary changes and standardize them with all the other accredited agencies in the United States.

Benefits of Accreditation

Greater accountability within the agency.
CALEA Standards give the Chief Executive Officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support decision-making and resource allocation.

Reduced risk and liability exposure
Many agencies report a reduction in their liability insurance costs and/or reimbursement of accreditation fees.

Stronger defense against civil lawsuits
Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against civil lawsuits. Also, many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them, once they become accredited.

Staunch support from government officials
Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service-delivery.Thus, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.

Increased community advocacy
Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations.
Source: www.calea.org

Lieutenant Doug Wilson
Accreditation Manager
6233 Dayton Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37343
Phone: (423) 209-8952
Fax: (423) 209-8943