To establish a system to manage change, a department must conduct an indepth review of its operational procedures and policies. The evaluation and refinement of daily procedures can best be achieved through the use of the accreditation model. Technically designed, field tested, and refined over the past 10 years, this model reduces costs and expedites final implementation. Under this model, self-assessment involves a one-to-one comparison of existing policy, procedure, and rules with the standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Each standard delineates an internal or external event, concern, or need which, when addressed, will make an agency responsive to its community and the criminal justice system. Coexisting with the broad-based system of accreditation are several State networking associations which provide resource libraries with manuals from accredited agencies and local support for agencies seeking accreditation.