Okaloosa County BOCC — December 31, 2012 — CFA request

Law enforcement agencies in the United States have long sought two things; a public perception that reflects their straightforward and honest approach to service, and the recognition of professionalism. This widespread desire inspired the establishment of a system in which a superior set of standards could measure law enforcement agencies in the United States, thus was the origination of the State (and nation) wide Law Enforcement Accreditation. The Commission for Florida Accreditation is a state-wide version of the national CALEA standard. Accreditation, a highly admirable title, is also an ongoing process whereby an independent, authoritative body evaluates the policies and procedures of an accreditation- aspiring agency against the established criteria. The criteria, or standards, are policy development guidelines that hold the accredited agency at the highest level of execution and compliance for every facet within the unit. It’s a process which requires each sworn officer, and the individual whom is deemed the Accreditation Manager to submit full participation and determination well beyond the preparation period. The ultimate indicator of compliance is determined through an on-site evaluation by trained, independent inspectors via the Commission. Once approved, the agency’s State accreditation is valid for a three (3) year period, at which point a reaccreditation inspection may be performed. Throughout the three (3) year period it’s crucial that continually changing policies be updated and closely maintained, as not to avert from compliance standards. Statistically, most law enforcement agencies in the United States are small. According to the most recent Census conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 50% of the 17,876 state and local law enforcement agencies in the country have 0-9 full-time sworn personnel, while 74% have 24 or fewer full-time sworn officers. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these agencies can boast neither the accreditation title, nor the dependable level of service that’s guaranteed to come with it. Aside from statistical data, Florida proves an ideal venue for small agencies to pursue such standards for political reasons as well. The local atmosphere is conducive to the acquisition of State accreditation due to the grass-roots manner in which the CFA was conceived. Both the Florida Sheriffs’ Association and the Florida Police Chiefs’ Association were involved in the early development of this venture, which undoubtedly supports its authenticity. The governmental support of its very foundation certainly lends to public trust, and more importantly; credibility. Benefits including, but not limited to; • Controlled liability insurance costs. State accredited departments can obtain and increase insurance more easily with lower premiums. • Support from government officials who gain confidence in the agency through their commitment to operating efficiently, as well as their public perception of doing so. • Fewer legal matters, as well as maximum defense against those brought on the agency. With iron clad policies married with well-trained employees, said agency is better  equipped to follow a clear path of protocol, in turn leaving no room for error upon being questioned. • More government opportunities. Accreditation opens a plethora of new grant opportunities, otherwise unavailable. This additional funding can provide the agency with the most the most current technological advances in the law enforcement realm thus gaining a higher level of preparedness. • Stricter accountability within the agency. The accreditation process provides for written directives, clearly defined lines of authority, and routine reports that support specific protocol and resource allocation. This conduit of resources influences higher employee performance, and when lacking; the guarantee of precisely appropriate reprimands. • The assurance of a highly credible and motivated police department will win support from local businesses and the community who rely on them. It provides them with more confidence in the agency’s willingness to meet their needs, and their ability to do so. These are but a few of many reasons the Okaloosa County Airports Police has chosen to seek approval to pursue accreditation, and with successful completion of the accreditation program Okaloosa Airports would be Florida’s first CFA airport law enforcement agency. There are other larger Florida airports that are nationally accredited through CALEA. Currently there are two CFA accredited law enforcement agencies in Okaloosa County; Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Walton Beach Police Department. We propose that our County’s airports police department become the next accredited law enforcement agency within the next year. Once accredited, our department will implement a host of operational standards considered the current “best practices” in the industry. By doing so, we will be enabled to combat crime more effectively, deliver services more efficiently, boost public support, and enhance cooperation with other organizations in the criminal justice system. The accreditation guidelines pinpoint much of the procedural implementation difficulties as those in which the agency is required to reconstruct building specifications and/or equipment requirements. With a dedicated new public safety facility still in the pre-construction phases, the option to pursue accreditation alongside its formation poses a unique situation which presents us with an ideal opportunity to achieve accreditation, and construct out facility via the most efficient route. Having the advantage to erect our station in accordance with State standards will allow us to preserve much needed time and finances in the beginning phases of our establishment. In accordance with the Florida State Law Enforcement Accreditation standards, the birth of accreditation begins with executive level approval, at which point the meticulous task of its development can begin. As with any commendable achievement, this will involve a significant amount of time and resources. The initial process will chiefly require manpower, as the primary focus of the initial process is to appoint an Accreditation Manager(s). Standards clearly state that this must be a full-time position to have a truly comprehensive approach to the process. Not only will this person need to write, edit, and maintain policies, conduct staff inspections, perform general and specialized audits, but also ensure the sworn officers and rest of the agency are prepared and willing to cooperate with the detailed changes made within the unit. All of these activities ensure that the department meets, and continues to comply with some of 263 State standards set forth by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The achievement of accreditation in an 8-10 month time frame is not possible without the full-time focus of an Accreditation Manager. The necessary financial investments are as follows (for a department of 10-24 sworn officials); • A non-refundable $500 application fee • $300 annual charge for The Accreditation Manager© software • All travel expenses and accommodations for 3 assessors’ (3 day) on-site mock evaluation with an approximate total of $4,500 • All travel expenses and accommodations for 3 assessors’ (3 day) on-site evaluation with an approximate total of $4,500 • Salary expenses for the Accreditation Manager with an approximate total of $21,600 • Training and travel expenses for periodic Accreditation Management conferences/trainings with an approximate total of $5,000 • Miscellaneous office supplies with an approximate total of $500 The comprehensive expense estimated liberally totals $35,000-$40,000 for the project. The previously mentioned benefits largely outweigh the upfront investment. Accreditation will ultimately grant our County airports police department a substantially positive step toward true professionalism in police service over and above itself. This will truly be a dynamic process with vast reaching potential. It has proved to foster interaction between local, regional, state, and national levels through coalitions and help groups. These priceless interactions with other agencies will provoke the ever-increasing exchange of information and ideas, in turn promoting responsive cooperation within the local communities. For our Police Department, achieving accreditation will result in unequivocal remuneration. I sincerely appreciate your consideration and support toward attaining this professional milestone. V/R, _____________________________ M. Smith Tennyson, Chief of Police