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.

2025 NCLEAN CONFERENCE

We look forward to participating in next year’s conference (October 26 – 30, 2025) at a new location – Lumina Wrightsville Beach.

Click here for more information on the 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 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

Accreditation Manager’s Resources:

NCLEA Advanced Crosswalk (color coded document)
NCLEA LE1 Crosswalk (color coded document)
NCLEA Standards Manual Crosswalk (includes standards reference, commentary, time sensitive, and suggested proofs)
NCLEA Time Sensitive Standards (includes frequency reference)
How to Update a Standards Manual

Documents and Forms:

NCLEA Program Guide (PDF download)
NCLEA Standards Manual 1.1 (PDF download)
NCLEA Online Application Form
NCLEA PDF Application Form (used for reference prior to filling out the online form)
NCLEA On-Site Request Form (submit this form at least 90 days prior to your desired assessment file review start date)
NCLEA Annual Report Form (used by agencies that have been NCLEA accredited)