UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore.-The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) has earned state accreditation for law enforcement and 9-1-1 communications.
Scott Hayes, Executive Director of the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, presented the Certificate of State Accreditation to Sheriff Terry Rowan and Undersheriff Jim Littlefield during a ceremony at the Umatilla County Board of Commissioner’s meeting on February 18.
“Congratulations to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office on achieving accreditation, a milestone that reflects your agency’s dedication and professionalism,” Hayes said in a letter to the UCSO, before acknowledging all agency staff, especially Undersheriff Littlefield, for his preparation for the accreditation review.
Accreditation is a comprehensive process where the agency demonstrates to an independent body that their policies and procedures meet or exceed established industry best practices, and are consistent with Oregon laws and administrative rules.
According to the UCSO, some of the topics included in the accreditation process are use of force, evidence procedures, operational procedures for law enforcement and 9-1-1 communications, personnel practices, and organizational management.
“Thanks to our team who worked on this project, and our incredible staff who deserve the credit,” said Sheriff Rowan. “The work they do every day makes it all possible.”
The Northwest Accreditation Alliance is the State of Oregon’s independent credentialing body and provides law enforcement and communications 9-1-1 accreditation to qualified law enforcement and 9-1-1 agencies in Oregon and Alaska.
The UCSO is now the 14th sheriff’s office and the 11th 9-1-1 communications center in Oregon to be accredited.
Earning accreditation strengthens agency accountability and transparency, improves service delivery to the community, strengthens professionalism, reduces liability, improves efficiency, and was one of Sheriff Rowan’s primary goals for the sheriff’s office, according to the UCSO.
