EPHRATA, Wash. (27MAY2014) – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office received their accreditation from Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC) at an award ceremony last Wednesday to acknowledge successful completion of the professional standards as outlined by the WASPC Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Sheriff Tom Jones said, “This is a huge accomplishment. Accreditation is not just a symbol of industry best practice after months of reviews and audits, but a means of further professionalizing the organization by establishing and maintaining additional standards and measures of performance that improve our operational efficiency.”
This history of accrediting started in 1976 when the Washington State Legislature directed WASPC to develop standards and goals for Washington State Law Enforcement. The current accreditation program was developed in 2007. Benefits of accreditation include, but not limited to:
• To intensify administration and operational effectiveness;
• Increase public confidence in the law enforcement agency;
• Increase credibility;
• Systemize self-assessment;
• To provide state and local recognition of professional competence.
Sheriff Tom Jones added, “This was years in the making and an all-hands effort from GCSO personnel in order to obtain this accreditation. It speaks to the commitment we all have to improving our own standards of performance as well as our commitment to Grant County residents.”
For more information on the history, governance, and accreditation phases, go to: www.waspc.org
Attached image, pictured from left to right: Chief Deputy Joe Kriete, Sergeant Kieth Seibert, Undersheriff Dave Ponozzo, Support Supervisor Tracy Williams, Administrative Assistant Deb Shay, Sheriff Tom Jones, Accreditation Manager Martin Dickson, Chief Deputy Ken Jones, Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald.
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PR76/AGT1
Sharon Palmerton
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
509-760-6314
Address/Location
Grant County Sheriff's Office
35 C St NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 509-754-2011
