Photos by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office received its fifth re-accreditation award last Thursday at the County Administration Building in Daleville. The county played host to the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) meeting. Botetourt County Sheriff Matt Ward is currently one of the state’s 12 commissioners.
Executive board members consisting of six active sheriffs and six chiefs of police establish professional standards and administer the accreditation process by which Virginia agencies are systematically measured, evaluated, and updated. The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) manages the day-to-day operations for the commission.
The Sheriff’s Office was reviewed through an evaluation of over 189 files consisting of thousands of comprehensive standards and best practices the agency was required to meet. In addition to file reviews, personal interviews were conducted with various staff members, reflecting all ranks levels and assignments. The assessment resulted in 100% compliance with all program standards under the process for accreditation by VLEPSC.
The commission’s goals include the following: increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth through the delivery of services; promoting cooperation among all components in the criminal justice system; ensuring the appropriate level of training for law enforcement personnel; promoting public confidence in law enforcement; and to promote the professionalism of law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“This re-accreditation reaffirms our commitment to the community we serve. It’s a testament to the hard work of our deputies and staff who strive to deliver efficient and professional services daily,” said Sheriff Matt Ward.
