HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 04 23 Consent C Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM C
CONSENT X
INFORMATIONAL
PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR
04/23/01
Meeting
MGR ~EPT~
Authorization
REQUEST: Police Department requesting the Commission to give approval to expend
$900.00 from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund to the Commission for Florida
Law Enforcement Accreditation and enter into contract for the accreditation process.
PURPOSE: To seek the consent of the Commission to support the accreditation
program which has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the high standards of
professionalism. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority
that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. This in cooperation
with other law enforcement agencies throughout Seminole County and the State of
Florida. The Department has been working for the past three years and is now in the final
steps of preparation for a on-site inspection.
CONSIDERATIONS: In 1993, Florida Statute 943.125 encouraged the Florida
Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association to create an independent
voluntary law enforcement agency accreditation program. This movement by law
enforcement professionals to create accrediting bodies is in response to a need to ensure
the public that quality services are delivered in accordance with recognized and accepted
standards. The accreditation process requires an in-depth review of every aspect of the
agency's organization, management, operations, and administration to include:
. Establishment of agency goals and objectives with provision for periodic updating;
. Re-evaluation of whether agency resources are being used in accordance with agency
goals, objectives, and mission;
. Re-evaluation of agency policies and procedures, especially as documented in the
agency's and cities written directive system;
. Correction of internal deficiencies and inefficiencies before they become public
problems.
The agency is compelled to operate within specific guidelines. It is accountable to the
Commission. The agency must stay in compliance with the standards set forth by the
Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation III order to retain its
accreditation.
The agency must formally apply to the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement
Accreditation to participate in the process. The agency will remain accredited for a period
of three years. After the three year period they must be reaccredited.
The Commission comprises eleven volunteer members:
· Four Sheriffs appointed by the Florida Sheriffs Association;
· Four Police Chiefs appointed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association;
· A Mayor, City Commissioner, or City Manager appointed by the Florida League of
Cities;
· A County Commissioner appointed by the Florida Association of Counties; and
· An Appellate or Circuit Court Judge appointed by the Florida Supreme Court.
The Commission expects agencies to maintain compliance and live by the letter and spirit
of the standards and presumes that agencies operate in compliance with their established
directives. The Commissioners set fourth all policies and procedures for the accreditation
process.
Traditionally, under F.S.S. 932.7055 4(a)1., and subsection 3 this donation can be taken
from the Special Law Enforcement Fund with the approval of the Commission.
FUNDING: Existing funds from the Special Law Enforcement Fund that currently has
a balance of$25,000.00 from drug forfeiture cases.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the expenditure of$900.00 to Commission for
Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE:
Immediately upon approval by Commission.
ATTACHMENTS:
COMMISSION ACTION: