NCJ Number
129152
Date Published
1989
Length
99 pages
Annotation
This analysis of information from 42 police agencies that achieved accredited status before December 31, 1986 concludes that accreditation improved the agency in the three areas selected for analysis: police use of deadly force, police pursuit, and the handling of evidence.
Abstract
A questionnaire survey gathered information on the delineation of agency goals and policies in the three policy areas. The questionnaire also asked for information on agency characteristics, the direct and indirect costs of accreditation, the changes that had occurred as a result of accreditation, the benefits and disadvantages of accreditation, and whether the agency would seek reaccreditation. The responding agencies varied widely in type, population served, and geographic location. Among the main results of accreditation were the issuing of new or improved written directives, reduction of administrative workload, training, consistency, professionalism, and improved morale. Tables, 54 references, appended questionnaire, list of responding agencies, and list of accreditation standards used in the research