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by Sarah Brown – Managing Editor

On July 9, 2024 at the Crisp County Commission meeting the Crisp County Sheriff, Billy Hancock and Accreditation Manager Captain Tammera Sears were presented plaques by County Administrator, Clark Harrell in honor of this accomplishment.

“We are thrilled to announce that our agency has successfully met the standards for recertification through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police State Certification. This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to professional excellence, demonstrated by our effective and sound policies and procedures. This certification reinforces our dedication to providing exemplary law enforcement services and upholding the high standards required for State Certification. Captain Tammera Sears, our Certification Manager, has played a pivotal role in preparing our agency for this achievement. I am deeply grateful for her dedication and the hard work of everyone at the Sheriff’s Office in ensuring we maintain this esteemed certification,” stated Sheriff Billy Hancock.

The accreditation is not an easy process for the Sheriff’s Office to achieve. The certification status represents the upmost professionalism that the agency holds and is a significant professional achievement within law enforcement agencies. The certification acknowledges the strong implementation of policies and procedures conceptually sound and operationally effective. It truly is about having the best practices within an agency. The program provides a comprehensive blueprint to the for effective, and professional law enforcement. The program staff at the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police are prepare to make their knowledge, experience, and resources available to help agencies become certified. It is the role of the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program to establish standards that promote professionalism within law enforcement, oversee the State Certification process, and award certification status to Georgia Law Enforcement agencies that meet the established standards.

The accreditation is very important and benefits not only to the Sheriff’s Office but to the county.

The benefits of certification include:

• Confirmation that agency practices are consistent with progressive professional standards
• Greater operational and administrative effectiveness
• Enhanced understanding of agency policies and practices
• Greater public confidence in the agency
• Recognition in the field of outstanding achievement
• Reduced liability potential
• Greater governmental and community support