Feb. 11, 2022
A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive on March 29, 2022, to examine all aspects of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office must comply with approximately 260 standards to receive accredited status. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, and safety issues.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. A copy of the standards is available through the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer in Panama City at 850-747-4700.
Please address correspondence for more information regarding CFA, or to offer written comments about the Bay County Sheriff’s Office ability to meet the standards of accreditation, to CFA, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida, 32302, or email flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us.
The Accreditation Program Manager for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office is Inspector Amanda Rubel. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from agencies similar to the BCSO in size,” Inspector Rubel said. “The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be witnessed.” The CFA Assessment Team consists of 3 members from agencies outside of Bay County who will evaluate the agency based on the minimum requirements set forth by the CFA.
Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, a report is sent to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office accreditation is for a three-year period. This year will mark the 20th year for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office accreditation “Excelsior” status.
“Verification by the team that the Bay County Sheriff’s Office continues to meet the Commissions standard is part of the voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation,” Sheriff Tommy Ford said. “Excelsior-level accreditation remains a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”
Prepared by R. Corley
Information by Insp. A. Rubel
Approved by Sheriff T. Ford
