Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Earns Accreditation

• by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

ALBANY, NY (04/23/2008)(readMedia)-- The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office has joined a select group of police agencies statewide to receive accreditation from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Commissioner Denise E. O’Donnell announced.

Commissioner O’Donnell presented the accreditation to Sheriff James. F. Kralik this week.

“As with any major accomplishment, accreditation does not come easily,” Commissioner O’Donnell said. “In order to earn that distinction, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office was required to implement a total of 130 demanding and complex standards impacting nearly every area of the agency – from administration to training to operations.”

Added Sheriff Kralik: “Reaching this day required a great deal of work and commitment by all the members of the Division. Accreditation is not merely the granting of an award, but an independent confirmation of what I have always believed -- that we meet the highest standards of professionalism. I am extremely proud to be sharing the distinction of joining with the other New York State law enforcement agencies and particularly those in Rockland County who have achieved accreditation status.”

New York in 1989 became the first state to establish a formal law enforcement accreditation program to help police agencies evaluate and improve their overall performance. It provides formal recognition that an organization meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

The Accreditation Program is comprised of 130 standards and is divided into three categories. Standards in the Administrative section have provisions for such topics as agency organization, fiscal management, personnel practices, and records. Training standards encompass basic and in-service instruction, as well as training for supervisors and specialized or technical assignments. Operations standards deal with such critical topics as high-speed pursuits, roadblocks, patrol, and unusual occurrences.

In Rockland County, the process began when Sheriff Kralik assigned Sgt. Tony DeColyse as accreditation manager. Sgt. DeColyse compiled a team that included Lt. Gary Bowers, Capt. Louis Falco and Sgt. Dennis Stoll.

“The road to accreditation was rigorous and demanding, but well worth the journey,” said Chief Harry A. Stewart. “It is hoped that by this attainment, our department will be more accountable, effective and efficient and that in the future we will prove worthy of this award.”

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