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.

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NC PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS ACCREDITATION PROGRAM 

NCLEA is happy to announce that the NCPSCAP manual has been approved by both the Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission and the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.  It will be officially available to NC agencies on March 1, 2026.  The approved manual can be found HERE.

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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.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ACCREDITED NCLEA AGENCIES

Two agencies received their NCLEA accreditation during the November 21, 2025 meeting of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.  Congratulations to the Leland and Youngsville Police Departments for this accomplishment!

CONGRATULATIONS ALSO TO…

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 NCLEA ACCREDITED AGENCIES:

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THE NCLEA ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Applying to NCLEA:

• Review the Standards Manual and Program Guide
• Determine if funding is needed to shore up any areas of concern
• Complete the online application for enrollment
• A potential facility review is set up by the NCLEA Program Manager

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:

• Accreditation 101 for CEO’s
• NCLEA Accreditation Managers
• NCLEA Assessors

Documents and Forms:

• NCLEA Program Guide  (PDF download)
• NCLEA Standards Manual 1.1  (PDF download)
• NCLEA Online Application Form
• NCPSCAP Standard Manual 1.0 (PDF download)
• NCPSCAP Online Application Form

Committee and Advisory Group Members:

• NCLEA Accreditation Committee
• NCLEA Detention Advisory Group
• NCLEA Standards Advisory Group
• North Carolina Public Safety Communication Advisory Group (NCPSCAG)