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.
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!
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.
Congratulations to the Roxboro Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, and North Carolina State University Police Department!
NCLEA APPROVED STANDARDS MANUAL AVAILABLE
The approved NCLEA standards manual has been published in the PowerDMS Standards Manual Community. It is available for those who have applied and been approved to request membership.
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 Program Assistant
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
NCLEAN CONFERENCE (9/25 – 9/28/23)
All agencies enrolling in the NCLEA program are strongly encouraged to join the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Network (NCLEAN) and attend the September NCLEAN Conference. Valuable training will be offered at the NCLEAN conference to assist agency CEO’s and Accreditation Managers with compliance with NCLEA standards.
NCLEA RESOURCES
Staff:
- NCLEA Program Manager
Karen Ashley – kashley@ncdoj.gov – 984.365.1926 - NCLEA Program Assistant:
Angie Schrock – aschrock@ncdoj.gov – 336.647.9510
Accreditation Manager’s Resources:
- Crosswalk – Beta to Version 1.0
- Crosswalk – NCLEA – (includes CALEA standards reference and suggested proofs)
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)
NCLEA Committee and Advisory Group Members:
United States Department of Justice Executive Order 13929:
- Agencies Certified or In Process (Updated 05/20/2022)
- Presidents Order
- Instructions for Certification
- NCLEA-1A Form