March 23, 2009
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSESSORS PRAISE THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Confirming its commitment to law enforcement excellence, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office earned the top grade during its recent accreditation review and made a little history in the process.

Accredited agencies are reviewed every three years by an independent commission that ensures the agency and its policies, procedures, programs and facilities comply with national law enforcement performance standards. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 1991.

During its last CALEA review in 2005, the Sheriff’s Office was selected as one of just a handful of law enforcement agencies around the country to be designated a Flagship Agency. The special designation is based on an agency’s overall professional standing in the public safety community and is intended to recognize agencies that implement some of the best practices for complying with professional standards.

After recently undergoing another rigorous review of the agency’s operations, policies and programs, the Sheriff’s Office has been reaccredited and once again designated a Flagship Agency. The designation was announced during a CALEA conference in Raleigh, NC on Saturday. With Saturday’s announcement, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office became the first Sheriff’s Office in the country to earn the special Flagship designation two times.

“A Flagship Agency represents an extraordinary example of excellence in public safety and is recognized as a potential resource for future and current CALEA clients,” said CALEA’s executive director, Sylvester Daughtry, Jr.

The Sheriff’s Office also was awarded the CALEA Meritorious Award for being accredited as an agency for more than 15 years. The successful review means the Sheriff’s Office will retain its status as an internationally accredited law enforcement agency for another three years.

Sheriff Ben Johnson said the agency has worked hard to maintain high professional standards and is proud that the Sheriff’s Office was singled out once again for excellence by CALEA. “I firmly believe that we have one of the best law enforcement agencies in the country,” said Sheriff Johnson. “And it’s incredibly gratifying to have our commitment to excellence and professionalism validated by an independent law enforcement commission. This is a wonderful recognition for our employees and their hard work, professionalism and dedication to public service.”