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Accreditation is
a certification process an organization can enter on a voluntary basis.
Such programs have long been recognized as a means for maintaining high
levels of professionalism and service. The process entails the
organizations pledge to adhere to specific standards that govern how
internal processes are conducted and how services are provided.
To insure
compliance, an independent authority periodically reviews the
organization and reports its findings to the governing body. Some of
the most widely recognized organizations that are accredited are
schools, universities, and hospitals.
State
accreditation for law enforcement agencies first became available in
1993. At that time, Florida Statute 943.125 directed the Florida
Sheriff’s Association and the Florida Police Chief’s Association to
create a voluntary accreditation program. As a result, the Commission
for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) was formed.
The Commission
is comprised of four sheriffs, four police chiefs, and one
representative each from the Association of Counties, the League of
Cities, and the Judiciary. The commission meets quarterly to oversee
the program and to officially accredit agencies that have passed the
rigorous review process. Agencies are
reviewed by the Commission every three years.
The Vero Beach
Police Department became initially accredited on February 6, 2001 during a
quarterly meeting held in Sarasota Florida. The status awarded on that
day was the final step in a process that began at the direction of Chief
Gabbard in 1999.
The continuing goal of the
Vero Beach Police Department is to provide the community with a
professional level of service. The department's achievements have been
recognized by the Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation by
awarding CFA Accredited status again in June 2008.
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