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North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation


BACKGROUND:

  • 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 addressed Appendix B and other standards that needed clarity based upon their intent.
  • In November of 2025, both Commissions approved the North Carolina Public Safety Communication Accreditation Program (NCPSCAP).  It went live in March of 2026.
  • The Essential Standards Program (ESP) was approved by both Commisions in 2026 and went live on the first of June. This certificate program, comprised of 20 standards deemed essential for law enforcement agencies to reduce risk and litigation, introduces small and rural agencies to the concepts of accreditation.
  • If you have any additional questions, please contact the NCLEA Program Manager.

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

NCLEA
(Law Enforcement Accreditation)

  • Accreditation through NCLEA is voluntary for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina.
  • There are currently 116 standards that require compliance.
  • There is no fee for participation.
  • Agencies desiring to pursue accreditation through NCLEA are encouraged to review the NCLEA Standards Manual and Program Guide.
  • You MUST complete the online NCLEA application  in order to be considered for enrollment in the NCELA Program.

NCPSCAP
(Public Safety Communications)

  • Accreditation through NCPSCAP is voluntary for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina.
  • There are currently 56 standards that require compliance.
  • There is no fee for participation.
  • Agencies desiring to pursue accreditation through NCPSCAP are encouraged to review the NCPSCAP Standards Manual and Program Guide.
  • You MUST complete the online NCPSCAP application in order to be considered for enrollment in the Program.

ESP
(Essential Standards Program)

  • Certification through ESP is voluntary for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina  as a “gateway to accreditation.” 
  • There are currently 20 standards that require compliance.
  • There is no fee for participation. ​
  • Agencies desiring to pursue the certification are encouraged to review the ESP Standards Manual and Program Guide.
  • You MUST complete the online ESP application  in order to be considered for enrollment.

RESOURCES:

2026 NCLEAN CONFERENCE 

We look forward to participating in the next NCLEAN conference (October 26 – 29, 2026) at Holiday Inn Lumina Wrightsville Beach.  NCLEA staff will be on hand to update you on all the current NCLEA accreditation programs.

Click here for more information on the NCLEAN Conference.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE!

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received their initial accreditation with NCLEA on September 18, 2026 during the Sheriff’s Commission Meeting. We applaud your hard work in achieving this goal!

New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office

NCLEA ACCREDITED AGENCIES:

Awards 2023

  • Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
  • NC State University Police Department
  • Roxboro Police Department
  • Wilmington Police Department

Awards 2024

  • Black Mountain Police Department
  • Lincolnton Police Department

Awards 2025

  • Aberdeen Police Department
  • Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Fuquay-Varina Police Department
  • Hickory Police Department
  • Kings Mountain Police Department
  • Knightdale Police Department
  • Leland Police Department
  • Youngsville Police Department

Awards 2026

  • Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office
  • Creedmoor Police Department
  • Davidson Police Department
  • Emerald Isle Police Department
  • Gibsonville Police Department
  • Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Campus Police
  • Morehead City Police Department
  • New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
  • North Carolina State Highway Patrol

NCLEA CONTACTS:

  • Program Manager:
    Karen Ashley – kashley@ncdoj.gov
    984.365.1926 – Work Hours: M-F – 7am – 4pm
  • 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 MEMEBERS: