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What Is the Future of Accreditation for California Law Enforcement Agencies?

NCJ Number
114098
Author(s)
D J Abrecht
Date Published
1987
Length
119 pages
Annotation
This paper uses future research techniques to examine the emerging issue of accreditation for California law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
A literature review, personal interviews, and the nominal group technique were used to identify societal trends and social/technological events that might impact on the suitability of accreditation in the State. On the basis of these, three scenarios were developed that depict California law enforcement as (1) a leader in the setting of professional standards, (2) a State that chooses to ignore trends toward national professional standards, or (3) a State that leaves the decision to pursue accreditation to local government. A survey of chiefs of police and sheriffs indicates that 69 percent felt a program of State accreditation would have the greatest benefit for law enforcement, and they overwhelmingly selected the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to administer such a program if adopted. However, such a statewide accreditation program may not be economically or politically feasible and entails a duplication of effort since a national accreditation program already is offered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. Indications are that the national program will continue to attract agency participation. In addition to providing economic benefits, participation in the program provides a process and structure for carrying out local mandates in a manner that conforms to the latest accepted practices for law enforcement as a national profession. 7 appendixes, 36 endnotes, figures, and 30 references. (Author abstract modified)