The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is allowing the public to offer comments regarding policies, procedures, management, operations and support services for a review assessment beginning Nov. 15.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a credentialing authority based in Virginia specializing in accrediting law enforcement agencies and academies, is scheduled to conduct a virtual assessment of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Communications Center.
“The accreditation process recognizes professional excellence achieved by proving compliance with CALEA standards which represent best practices in the field of law enforcement and public safety communications,” said the sheriff’s office in a statement released Oct. 26. “ Accredited agencies undergo periodic assessments to verify their continued commitment to the process and the standards.”
The public will be allowed to offer comments in a call-in session from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 15. To participate in the session, call the sheriff’s office communications center at (706) 541-8448 to be given direct access to a CALEA assessor.
Another call-in session for the public will be conducted from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 16.
The sheriff’s office will also hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 via WEBEX, and the public along with agency employees are encouraged to attend and offer remarks by visiting https://www.columbiacountyso.org/divisions/calea. There will also be a space at the Columbia County Justice Center available for those who would like to attend the virtual meeting there. Comments are limited to 10 minutes.
For more information about CALEA review standards, visit the agency’s website at https://www.calea.org/contact-us.
