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Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. Schools, universities, and hospitals are some of the most well known organizations that are required to maintain accreditation. Law enforcement agencies in Florida can now attain accredited status through two organizations: the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. and Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission, Inc.
The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcment Division and Detention Facility are both certified by the respective accrediation program against statewide standards. This process allows administrative staff to remedy deficiencies and upgrade the quality of correctional programs and services. The benefits of the accredidation processes include:
- Improved management
- Strengthens the facility's defense against lawsuits and complaints
- Increased accountability
- Enhanced public credibility for administrative and line staff
- A safer and more humane environment for personnel and inmates
- Potential reduction in liability through adoption of sound operating practices
- Demonstration of a "good faith" effort to improve conditions of confinement
- Establishment of measurable criteria for upgrading programs, personnel, and physical plant
- Establishment of agency goals and objectives with provisions for periodic updating
- Constant re-evaluation of whether agency resources are being used in accord with agency goals, objectives, and mission
- Continous re-evaluation of agency policies and procedures
- Correction of internal deficiencies and inefficiencies before they become problems
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