CERTIFICATION TEAM VISITS SHERIFF'S OFFICE

[Click image for larger version] Sheriff Ted Paxton (2nd from right) greets assessors Ellen Black and Tony McClung. Looking on (far left) is Capt. Ron Freeman, Commander of Criminal Investigations Section.

Friday, June 14, 2002

For the past year, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has been undergoing the process of self-assessment for the purpose of receiving the prestigious State Law Enforcement Agency Certification award.

Certification is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances. The foundation of certification lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When the procedures are in place, a team of trained assessors verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented. The process culminates with a decision by a joint executive committee that the agency has met the requirements for certification.

Certification status represents a significant professional achievement. Certification acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. There are 116 standards that must be met before Certification is granted. The benefits of certification include:

• Confirmation that agency practices are consistent with progressive professional standards
• Greater operational and administrative effectiveness
• Enhanced understanding of agency policies and practices
• Greater public confidence in the agency
• Recognition in the field of outstanding achievement
• Reduced liability potential
• Greater governmental and community support
• Possible liability insurance premium reduction

In Georgia, only 76 law enforcement agencies have been granted Certification status. In addition, only five sheriff’s office out of 159 are Certified.

This week, assessors from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police are visiting our agency, completing the assessment phase. The assessors are Ellen Black, Public Safety Coordinator for Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services and Tony McClung from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.