Getting Started
Pursuing accredited status for the first time? Learn about your options for building files, gathering proofs and updating policies.
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BlueIQ Law Enforcement Consultants partner with leaders in software and technology to make your accreditation program work for you.
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Policy Manual Review
Before digitizing policies, many agencies take the opportunity to review their manual for language and procedures.
File Construction
Policy manuals, proofs and accreditation files that are built on digital platforms can streamline the workflow and make the assessment process easy.
Mock Assessments
During a mock assessment, seasoned accreditation professionals provide valuable feedback to find and correct critical errors prior to your on-site assessment.
Accreditation can be a huge task, and is often voluntary - so why would a law enforcement agency decide to pursue such a goal?
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Based on the idea of community-oriented, professional police forces, accreditation creates a collaborative environment where citizens and police officers can work together to defeat and prevent some of the many challenges facing law enforcement professionals today.
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Accredited agencies receive the confidence of communities and government officials, reduce liability and risk in civil litigation and foster a working environment of accountability by following the best practices in the industry.
What is involved?
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Though becoming accredited can be a long, complex road, the components are very simple.
First, an agency will need to identify the accrediting body who's standards they will be meeting. For national accreditation, read more about the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) here. Some states offer accreditation programs or professional standard certifications independent from CALEA. Check here to see the programs and resources in your state. Each body may have various requirements for application, timelines for reaccreditation and policies for assessments.
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The professional standards set forth by the accrediting body establish the requirements of the program. Receiving accredited status depends on meeting all or some of those requirements. CALEA, for example, grants status in tiers depending on what level is pursued.
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Next, an agency must prove they are in compliance with the accreditation standards set forth. This is where accreditation files come into play. For each standard, a corresponding accreditation file must be built to demonstrate proof of compliance. The type of proof will depend on the nature of the standard.
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Finally, an on-site evaluation is completed by assessors granted such authority by the accrediting body. After a thorough review of the accreditation files reveals the agency to be in compliance, accredited status is conferred on the agency.
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What can make the process easier?
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Technology: Our partners in the software industry design cutting-edge solutions that improve workflow and streamline the file-building process.
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Experience: BlueIQ Law Enforcement Consultants have decades of experience on both sides- as agency managers seeking accreditation as well as assessors on behalf of CALEA or State commissions. Seeking accreditation is the result of what is often years of work.
Without the experience to identify gaps or errors in their accreditation files, an agency risks wasting the monumental amount of effort it has taken to get to that point.
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What types of institutions are supported?
Law Enforcement
BlueIQ provides support for law enforcement, corrections, and communications accreditation programs including CALEA.
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We can offer guidance or provide hands-on help with both national and state accreditation.
Forensic Laboratories
BlueIQ consultants work with ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 accredited laboratories with a specialty in forensic testing.
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We conduct external audits and provide an independent review of your quality and management systems.
FAQ
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What is Accreditation?Accreditation in the context of law enforcement is the status awarded to an agency which has voluntarily submitted to meet a third-party, defined set of professional standards. Those standards may require the following: A comprehensive written directive system that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities of the agency and its employees Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents Community relationship-building to improve legitimacy of policing Independent review by subject matter experts Continuous pursuit of excellence through external assessment measures
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Why should my agency pursue accreditation?Accreditation encourages excellence while providing tangible and measurable results in achieving that goal. By pursuing accreditation on a state or national level, you can expect many benefits including: 1. Increased support from municipal and government officials. By conforming to objective standards, an accredited agency demonstrates their commitment to excellence, resource management, and service delivery. In turn, this inspires the confidence of government authorities in the agency's ability to efficiently and effectively serve the community. 2. Improved legitimacy in the community.Accreditation programs create opportunities for law enforcement and private citizens to work together to prevent and control challenges in the community and improve dialogue. 3. Reduction in risk, liability, and costs. Accredited agencies may see a decline in legal actions against them and are better able to defend themselves against civil lawsuits if they do arise. Many agencies also report lower costs for liability insurance or even reimbursement of the fees associated with accreditation. 4. Accountability.Accreditation standards make up a proven system that supports high-level decision making, resource allocation, and professional policing.
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How can we improve our existing accreditation process?Accreditation should be an asset to an agency, not a burden. BlueIQ consultants help streamline processes within existing accreditation frameworks to reduce workload and improve the effectiveness of an agency's accreditation program. Digital solutions, workflow management, as well as remote support can transform a cumbersome process into a low-effort, high-yield program.
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What type of support can BlueIQ provide for our accreditation program?BlueIQ will partner with your agency in launching a new accreditation program or supporting and improving your existing accreditation process. If your agency is interested in becoming accredited, BlueIQ consultants will assist you every step of the way. From determining which accreditation programs meet the needs of your agency, to identifying challenges and gaps, conducting preliminary evaluations and mock assessments, our consultants are experienced and highly skilled. Accreditation is a long term project and we support agencies on a continuing basis. Once a department acheives accredited status, it takes attention and skill to maintain that status - but it should not take away from valuable resources elsewhere. BlueIQ consultants provide remote support, digital mock assessments, on-site training events, hands-on tutoring, process improvement, and much more to ensure that our client agencies are able to retain the status they've worked hard to achieve. Let us know how we can help your Accreditation program today.
