MORROW COUNTY, Ore.-The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Communications Center have both been awarded re-accreditation by the Oregon State Accreditation Alliance (OSAA).
“This is a huge accomplishment for my office,” said Morrow County Sheriff John Bowles. “I think re-accreditation is more difficult than the original accreditation process because you have to show and prove compliance over a three-year period.”
The re-accreditation was announced at the Morrow County Commissioners’ meeting on June 4.
“Congratulations on the significant achievement of re-accreditation,” said OSAA Executive Director Scott Hayes. “This is a significant achievement that reflects the dedication and professionalism of your agency.”
The law enforcement accreditation system established a uniform set of “best practices” for agencies that create accountability to the community, elected officials, and the line officers who are preforming the day-to-day work, according to the MCSO.
The re-accreditation requirements are different for the MCSO and the Communications Center, with the MCSO having to show compliance through “proofs” across 110 different assessments, while the Communications Center completes 57 assessments.
The MCSO demonstrated compliance across all assessments between 2022 and 2025, and the Northwest Accreditation Alliance Professional Standards Committee reviewed the assessor’s final report at the April 22, 2025, board meeting before granting re-accreditation.
Executive Director Hayes and Sheriff Bowles both highlighted the efforts of MCSO staff in achieving re-accreditation, especially Lieutenant Kristen Bowles and Sergeant Sarah Baker.
“This is an honor and a testament to the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office TEAM… I couldn’t be prouder of the great team I get to work with.” said Sheriff Bowles.
