YORK COUNTY, SC – After a rigorous assessment of agency policy and procedures, Sheriff Kevin Tolson is proud to announce that the York County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc., (CALEA). for the fifth time.
On April 2, 2022, Sheriff Tolson and Accreditation Manager Lt. Kim Morehouse appeared before the CALEA Commission Board in Orlando, Florida, and were told that the YCSO had earned the accreditation award given to law enforcement agencies by CALEA.
“I'm extremely proud of this award and proud of all of the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office who work to adhere and hold themselves to the high standards that this award requires,” said Sheriff Tolson.
The process of CALEA accreditation begins with an intensive self-assessment, requiring a review of policies, practices, and processes against internationally accepted public-safety standards. This is followed by an assessment of independent assessors with significant public safety experience.
Additionally, public feedback is received to promote community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with select agency personnel and others with knowledge to assess the agency’s effectiveness and overall service delivery capacities. The decision to accredit is rendered by a governing body of 21 Commissioners following a public hearing and review of all reporting documentation. CALEA accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well-managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency. To this end, an agency must maintain its accredited status by remaining in compliance with CALEA standards at all times.
The York County Sheriff’s Office first earned Law Enforcement Accreditation through CALEA in 2008. CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations in an effort to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners. Additional information regarding CALEA can be found at www.calea.org.