After years of effort, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has earned accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) for the first time. 

“JCSO began working on becoming accredited in 2017 under Sheriff Stanko, it’s been a long process and thanks to our dedicated Accreditation Manager Ben Stamper and our professional team at JCSO we have finally achieved our goal,” said Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner, in a prepared statement. He added the department was proud of the  accreditation.

WASPC accreditation certifies that a department is operating under best practices and standards for law enforcement, the press release reads. The process consists of seven phases: interest and initiation, self-assessment, mock assessment, final file review and site visit, accreditation commission review, executive board approval, and award. 

JCSO received its accreditation award on May 21, joining 79 other accredited law enforcement agencies in the state. 

“Police accountability is important to ensure and improve public trust, “ said WASPC Executive Director Steven Strachan, in the same statement. “The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office took these direct and tangible steps to earn the public’s confidence in their operations. The community should be proud of the men and women who serve them every day.”

The benefits of accreditation include increased credibility and public confidence in the agency, enhanced administrative and operational effectiveness, improved agency morale and pride, and reduced susceptibility to litigation and costly court settlements, among other advantages, according to WASPC.

Re-accreditation is required after four years.