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.
NOTICE TO ALL NCLEA ACCREDITATION MANAGERS
We have been advising our client agencies through the NCLEAN meetings that we have identified some standards that need language revisions. If you recall we were also working on amending Appendix B to ensure all client agencies, particularly the larger agencies, can comply with annual audits and inspections of Property and Evidence without taking weeks to do so, depending on the number of items held.
We took proposed revisions to both Commissions in their summer meetings. Both Commissions approved the recommended revisions to the 1st Edition NCLEA Standards Manual for law enforcement. These changes are in the process of being made within Power Standards and will be pushed out to all client agencies as soon as feasible to do so. In the meantime, these changes are effective immediately and specifically address Appendix B and 4 other standards that needed clarity based upon their intent. (For your reference, an updated PDF version of the 1.1 NCLEA Standards Manual has been posted below).
Our sincere thanks to those of you who have brought these issues to our attention. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional clarification.
CONGRATULATIONS BLACK MOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
On August 23, 2024 the Black Mountain Police Department received their award for NCLEA accreditation at the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission meeting. Congratulations to the Black Mountain Police Department and to Chief Steve Parker and AM Stacy Cox!
2024 CONFERENCE
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference (September 22-26, 2024). Check the agenda for NCLEA specific sessions.
Click here for more information on NCLEAN Conference.
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 inspection 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 ACCREDITED AGENCIES
- Black Mountain Police Department
- Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
- NC State University Police Department
- Roxboro Police Department
- Wilmington Police Department
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-R – 8am – 1pm - Assessment Coordinator:
Amy Thompson – ahthompson@ncdoj.gov – 252.723.8339
Work Hours: M-R – 9am – 2pm
Accreditation Manager’s Resources:
- NCLEA Advanced Crosswalk (color coded document)
- NCLEA LE1 Crosswalk (color coded document)
- NCLEA Standards Manual Crosswalk – (manual includes standards reference, commentary, and suggested proofs)
- NCLEA Standards Submission Form
- NCLEA Time Sensitive Standards
- How to Update a Standards Manual
NCLEA Documents and Forms:
- NCLEA Program Guide – (PDF download)
- NCLEA Standards Manual 1.1 – (PDF download)
- NCLEA Online Application Form
- NCLEA PDF Application Form – (use for reference prior to filling out the online form)
- NCLEA On-Site Request Form