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North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation

The Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission and the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission approved the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA) program in June 2023. In addition to the NCLEA Standards Manual (Edition 1.0), a Program Guide was adopted by both Commissions.

Both Commissions approved recommended revisions to the 1st Edition NCLEA Standards Manual for law enforcement in August 2024. These changes specifically address Appendix B and 4 other standards that needed clarity based upon their intent.

Accreditation through NCLEA is voluntary for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina, and there is no fee for participation.  Agencies desiring to pursue accreditation through NCLEA are encouraged to review the Standards Manual and Program Guide in their entirety.

NCLEA is accepting online applications. You MUST complete the online application for review in order to be considered for enrollment in the NCELA Program.  Agency CEO’s and Accreditation Managers should complete the application jointly. If you have any questions about the application itself, please contact the NCLEA Program Manager.

For additional Accreditation Manager information CLICK HERE.

If interested in becoming an NCLEA Assessor CLICK HERE.

NCLEA AWARDS AT THE 2025 NCLEAN CONFERENCE

NCLEA Program Manager, Karen Ashley, presented several awards during the recent NCLEAN Conference.  Three NCLEA mentors were recognized for their outstanding service and support of the program.  This included Greta Mallard, Jennifer Harris, and Erin Carden (pictured with Chief Hollingsed, Karen Ashley, and Director Smythe).

In addition, Elizabeth Bynum was recognized for her service to NCLEA for serving as Chair of the Communication and Detention Committees. These committees composed of subject matter experts have drafted the communication standards and are working on the detention’s manual.

Tami Warren was presented with the legacy award due to her instrumental efforts in getting the NCLEA program started.


Thank you all for your commitment to the NCLEA program!

ACCREDITATION 101 FOR CEO’S

Accreditation 101 for CEO’s was presented at the recent NCLEAN Conference.  This presentation shows the importance of being accredited, the accreditation process, and how to select the best Accreditation Manager (AM) for the job.  Click HERE to view the presentation.


2026 NCLEAN CONFERENCE 

We look forward to seeing you at the next conference (October 26 – 29th) at  – Holiday Inn Lumina Wrightsville Beach.

Click here for more information on the NCLEAN Conference.

 

 

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ACCREDITED NCLEA AGENCIES
Three agencies received their NCLEA accreditation on August 15, 2025.  Congratulations to Fuquay-Varina, Hickory, and Kings Mountain Police Departments for this accomplishment!

NCLEA ACCREDITED AGENCIES:

  • Aberdeen Police Department (’25)
  • Black Mountain Police Department (’24)
  • Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (‘23)
  • Fuquay-Varina Police Department (’25)
  • Hickory Police Department (’25)
  • Kings Mountain Police Department (’25)
  • Knightdale Police Department (’25)
  • Lincolnton Police Department (’24)
  • NC State University Police Department (’23)
  • Roxboro Police Department (’23)
  • Wilmington Police Department (’23)

THE NCLEA ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Applying to NCLEA:
Accepted by NCLEA:
  • Download the NCLEA standards manual
  • Request training for AM from the Application/Enrollment Coordinator
Self-Assessment (24 mths):
  • Ensure Written Directives and Proofs of Compliance are prepared for every standard
  • Set up a mock assessment (basically a practice review by colleagues)
  • Address any deficiencies noted by the Mock Assessors
  • Notify the NCLEA Assessment Coordinator through the On-Site Request Form, that your agency is ready for its official on-site assessment at least 90 days prior to your desired assessment file review start date. 
NCLEA Assessment:
  • Consists of an off-site electronic file review
  • And a site-based visit by trained assessors which involves:
    • Interviews with staff and community
    • Attending roll calls
    • Ride-alongs
    • Tours of facility
NCLEA Accreditation:
  • Final report from Assessment Team goes to Program Manager for review
  • Once approved, it is forwarded to the NCLEA Accreditation Committee
  • NCLEA Accreditation Committee will discuss with CEO and AM
  • NCLEA Accreditation Committee will make their recommendation to the appropriate Commission.
  • The Commission has the final say on whether to award NCLEA Certification to the agency.

(*Re-Accreditation is a three year cycle with an annual report required in addition to yearly proofs.)

NCLEA RESOURCES

Staff:
  • Program Manager:
    Karen Ashley – kashley@ncdoj.gov – 984.365.1926
    Work Hours: M-F – 8am – 5pm
  • Grants Manager:
    Devon Weaver – dweaver@ncdoj.gov – 984.480.8739
    Work Hours: M-F – 8am – 5pm
  • Application/Enrollment Coordinator:
    Angie Schrock – aschrock@ncdoj.gov – 336.686.0417
    Work Hours: M-F – 8am – Noon
  • Assessment Coordinator:
    Amy Thompson – ahthompson@ncdoj.gov – 252.723.8339
    Work Hours: M-R – 9am – 2pm
 Resources:
Documents and Forms:
Committee and Advisory Group Members: