An accreditation program has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. Law enforcement agencies in Florida can now attain accredited status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc.

In 1993, Florida Statute 943.125 directed that the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association create a voluntary law enforcement accreditation program.

Representatives from these Associations developed a process for accreditation which required compliance with more than 250 professional standards designed specifically for Florida law enforcement agencies. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. was formed, comprised of four Sheriffs, four Chiefs' of Police, and one representative each from the Association of Counties, the League of Cities, the State Law Enforcement Chiefs' Association, the Judiciary, and the Inspectors General. The Commission meets three times per year to oversee the accreditation program and to officially accredit agencies that have passed the rigorous review process.

Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence.

Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency's ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.

Accreditation enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency, and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency is increased.


The Tarpon Springs Police Department became a state accredited agency on February 21, 2013 and was reaccredited on February 24,2016, February 21, 2019, and February 24, 2022. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (C.F.A.) granted the Tarpon Springs Police Department reaccreditation status after completing a thorough evaluation of the Department's policy and procedures as well as an inspection of our equipment and overall operational readiness.

Being "A Full Service Accredited Law Enforcement Agency holds the Tarpon Springs Police Department to a high quality of standards and expectations. It is our commitment to maintain this level of performance and continue to deliver the quality of service our citizens have come to expect.

For further inquiries please contact either Major Frank Ruggiero or Sgt. Taurean Mathis, Accreditation Manager; tmathis@tspd.us or (727) 938-2849.


 

You can obtain more information about accreditation @
www.flaccreditation.org