About VLEPSC
The Virginia Sheriffs' Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) make up the VLEPSC. Commission members consisting of active Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police establish professional standards and administer the accreditation process by which Virginia agencies can be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated. DCJS manages the day-to-day operations for the Commission.
Our Mission
To advance law enforcement professionalism through the establishment of professional standards and the administration of a formal mechanism by which Virginia agencies can be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated.
Goals of the Commission Include:
Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement agencies in the delivery of services.
Promote cooperation and coordination among all components in the criminal justice system.
Ensure the appropriate level of training for law enforcement personnel.
Promote professionalism in agencies and public confidence in law enforcement in Virginia.
Accreditation Benefits
To the Community
Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves. Accreditation enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency is increased. Accreditation, in conjunction with the philosophy of community policing, commits the agency to a broad range of programs (such as crime prevention) that directly benefit the public. Accreditation creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime. This partnership will help citizens to understand the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law enforcement will, in turn, receive clear direction from the community about its expectations. Thus, a common set of goals and objectives will be arrived at and implemented.
To the Chief or Sheriff
Increases cooperation and coordination with other law enforcement agencies and other branches of the criminal justice system. The accreditation process requires an in-depth review of every aspect of the agency’s organization, administration, operations, and personnel training to include:
- Establishment of agency goals and objectives with provisions for periodic updating
- Re-evaluation of whether agency resources are being used in accord with agency goals, objectives, and mission
- Re-evaluation of agency policies and procedures, especially as documented in the agency’s written directive system
- Correction of internal deficiencies and inefficiencies before they become public problems
- The opportunity to re-organize without the appearance of personal attacks
The accreditation standards provide norms against which agency performance can be measured and monitored over time. Accreditation provides the agency with a continuous flow of Commission distributed information about exemplary policies, procedures, and projects. Accreditation provides objective measures to justify decisions related to budget requests and personnel policies. Accreditation serves as a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of the agency’s programs and services. The services provided are defined, and uniformity of service is assured. Accreditation streamlines operations, providing more consistency and more effective deployment of agency manpower.
To the Officers
Accreditation requires that agency policies and procedures are in written form and are available to all agency personnel at all times. Accreditation assures employees that every aspect of the agency’s personnel system is in accord with professional standards, and that the system is both fair and equitable. The agency is compelled to operate within specific guidelines. It is accountable to the Commission. The agency must stay in compliance with the standards set forth by the Commission in order to retain its accreditation. The morale of the agency is enhanced by increasing the employees’ confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of their own agency. Operations become more streamlined and consistent. Accreditation policies address officer safety issues and provide for adequate training and equipment of the officers. Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. Employees will take pride in their agency, knowing that it represents the very best in law enforcement.
Accredited Agencies
Find accredited agencies in Virginia listed alphabetically.
Self-Assessment Phase Agencies
Find application dates and expiration dates for agencies in the self-assessment phase.
Common Questions Regarding VLEPSC
Why should my agency become accredited?
State accreditation is the best measure of an agency’s compliance with professional law enforcement standards, as determined by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. The Commission consists of Virginia sheriffs and police chiefs selected for their expertise and knowledge. Adherence to an acknowledged body of professional standards may help protect an agency against a variety of potential liability problems.
How much does the state accreditation program cost?
There is a $250 application fee and an annual fee of $100 for accredited agencies.
How does my agency pay membership fees?
Send check or money order payable to VLEPSC to:
VLEPSC Treasurer:
Chief Keith Hartman
Buena Vista Police Department
306 Park Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416
VLEPSC Treasurer:
Chief Keith Hartman
Buena Vista Police Department
306 Park Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416
How often will my agency be re-assessed?
Re-assessment takes place every four years, within a 90-day period prior to your anniversary date.
How does my agency find out more about becoming accredited?
Contact the Program Manager Todd Clingenpeel at
todd.clingenpeel@dcjs.virginia.gov.
todd.clingenpeel@dcjs.virginia.gov.
Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards
Promoting Professionalism in Law Enforcement Since 1996
Accreditation into VLEPSC creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime.
The Virginia Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition (VALEAC) is an organziation composed of law enforcement personnel directly or indirectly involved in Virginia law enforcement accreditation activites. Membership is by agency and can be applied for by contacting the VALEAC Treasurer. Agencies pursuing accredited status through the VLEPSC process are highly encouraged to participate in the VALEAC programs.
VALEAC also conducts quarterly meeting and an annual training conference. Assessors for the VLEPSC program are drawn from the Coalition, and receive formal training through this group.
VALEAC also conducts quarterly meeting and an annual training conference. Assessors for the VLEPSC program are drawn from the Coalition, and receive formal training through this group.
VALEAC President
Laura Shelton
Town of Woodstock Police Department
laura.shelton@townofwoodstockva.gov
540-459-2141
VALEAC Treasurer - Membership Coordinator
Donna Akers
Christiansburg Police Department
dakers@christiansburg.org
540-382-3131 Ext. 5309
