MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has been recommended for International Law Enforcement Reaccreditation following an extensive assessment of the agency.
According to Sheriff David Barber, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies conducted a three-day on-site inspection and evaluation of the sheriff’s office as part of the reaccreditation process. The sheriff’s office first became CALEA accredited in 2007 and every three years the agency is reassessed.
The on-site evaluations included a complete examination of agency files, policy and procedures, facility tour, employee and citizen interviews, and ride-alongs with deputies. A public information session was also held to allow employees and citizens the opportunity to speak with the assessment team. The assessors were Maj. Michael O’Brien of the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; and Randy Cripe of the Elkhart County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office.
“Sheriff’s Office Accreditation Manager Deputy Dan Sebly has done an outstanding job preparing the agency for the on-site and worked very closely with the assessors during the process,” said Barber. To achieve reaccreditation the sheriff’s office must be in compliance with 464 individual law enforcement standards.
During an exit interview, O’Brien informed the sheriff and his staff that they would be recommending to CALEA that the Knox County Sheriff’s Office be reaccredited. The final phase of the process will take place in November when Barber and Selby will appear before CALEA Commissions at the fall conference for final approval.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is only the fourth out of Ohio’s 88 sheriff’s offices, and the smallest, to become internationally accredited.