Division the first in a sheriff’s office in Florida to earn the distinction
The Property and Evidence Section of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has earned accreditation by the International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE), Sheriff Tom Knight has announced.
“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is the first Florida sheriff’s office and only the second law enforcement agency statewide to become fully accredited with IAPE,” a news release points out. “Additionally, the agency is accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) and Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC),” the release adds.
The agency’s Public Safety Communications Section holds accreditations by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for law enforcement dispatch, and the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) for medical and fire communications, the release notes.
“Assessors conducted a four-day virtual visit in August to review policies and procedures, conduct staff surveys, audit cases, and view storage facilities, the release explains. On Sept. 3, the assessment team found the Property and Evidence Section to be in full compliance with all requirements, the release notes. “To maintain accreditation, the unit must be re-assessed every three years and submit documentation annually,” it adds.
“Compliance with national and international guidelines is crucial to ensuring acceptable agency practices, especially involving property and evidence,” said Knight in the release. “Our personnel are deserving of this recognition for achieving the highest standards.”