North Providence is a mainly residential community with a population of 29,000. Its police department has 48 sworn officers and 15 civilian employees. Efforts to improve its services, public image, and morale led to the decision in 1982 to seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The accreditation process began when the department received the 944 standards from the Commission. The department was accredited in November 1984. The main costs were the time and energy required of staff, financial costs that were higher than expected, and staff apprehension during the accreditation process. The main benefits were the ultimate improvement in staff morale, more efficient operations, greater accountability at all levels, and public recognition for a superior department. Departments considering accreditation should have a recent history of communication and trust between administrators and patrol officers as well as an accreditation manager and staff willing to cooperate. They should review the standards before undertaking accreditation and should seek advice from other departments. Research regarding police professionalism, nationwide standards, and voluntary standards is recommended. 22 references and a list of 9 sources used by the North Providence Police Department in preparing for accreditation.