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. Accreditation through NCLEA is voluntary for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina, and there is no fee for participation. In addition to the NCLEA Standards Manual (Edition 1.0), a Program Guide has been adopted by both Commissions. 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.

REMOTE FILE REVIEW AND ON-SITE REQUEST FORM FOR NCLEA ACCREDITATION

If you are an agency that has completed your self-assessment and are ready for both remote and on-site review of your files and department, please utilize this form:

NCLEA ON-SITE REQUEST FORM

NCLEAN 2024 CONFERENCE

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference (September 22-26, 2024). Click here for more information on NCLEAN.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

On September 15, 2023 the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office received their award at the Sheriffs’ Commission meeting. This agency participated in the BETA process that was instrumental in the development and approval of the NCLEA program. Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS – Roxboro, Wilmington, and NC State University Police Departments!!!

The first NCLEA Accreditation awards were presented at the Criminal Justice Education and Training Commission meeting on August 11, 2023. These agencies also participated in the BETA process that was instrumental in the development and approval of the NCLEA program.

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 site visit is set up by the NCLEA Program Manager

Accepted by NCLEA:

Download the NCLEA standards manual
Request training for AM from the Assistant Program Manager

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 Program Manager that your agency is ready for its official assessment

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

NCLEA RESOURCES

Staff:

NCLEA Program Manager
Karen Ashley – kashley@ncdoj.gov – 984.365.1926
NCLEA Assistant Program Manager:
Angie Schrock – aschrock@ncdoj.gov – 336.647.9510

Accreditation Manager’s Resources:

Crosswalk – NCLEA – (includes CALEA standards reference and suggested proofs)
NCLEA Time Sensitive Standards
NCLEA Compliance (spreadsheet)
NCLEA Compliance (PDF download)
NCLEA Standards Submission Form

NCLEA Documents and Application Form:

NCLEA Program Guide – (PDF download)
NCLEA Standards Manual 1.0 – (PDF download)
NCLEA Online Application Form
NCLEA PDF Application Form – (use for reference prior to filling out the online form)