In a notable achievement within law enforcement circles, Jacquelyn “Jackie” DeSoto, the Compliance Coordinator for the Local Police Department (LPPD), has been awarded the Accreditation Manager Certification by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) at its 131st Conference. This recognition places Ms. DeSoto among a select group of law enforcement professionals nationwide, highlighting her expertise and dedication to the field of law enforcement accreditation.
Ms. DeSoto’s certification marks her as the second individual in Maryland and one of only 67 nationwide to receive this prestigious accolade from CALEA, an organization that currently collaborates with nearly 1,300 law enforcement agencies, communications centers, training academies, and campus safety programs across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Barbados.
The CALEA Accreditation Manager Certification Program is designed to acknowledge the skills and expertise of managers who excel in the accreditation process. Achieving this certification requires a blend of experience and specialized training. Candidates must have at least four years of experience as an accreditation manager and complete specific training in document management and the management of the four-year accreditation cycles, including securing an agency certification without conditions.
LPPD’s Chief Carl Schinner expressed his pride in Ms. DeSoto’s accomplishment, emphasizing the rigorous requirements for the certification, which includes endorsements from the Office of the Chief of Police, a CALEA Program Manager, and peers within the field. “Aside from the experience and training aspects required to earn the certification, Ms. DeSoto also had to receive endorsements from the Office of the Chief of Police, a CALEA Program Manager, and her peers. Being endorsed as one of the best at your job by your peers is the ultimate recognition and validation,” stated Chief Schinner.
This certification not only underscores Ms. DeSoto’s dedication and proficiency in the specialized area of law enforcement accreditation but also serves as a benchmark for excellence within the profession. It highlights the rigorous standards and processes involved in achieving and maintaining accreditation, a key factor in ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate at the highest levels of professionalism and effectiveness.
Ms. DeSoto’s achievement reflects the broader goals of CALEA and the law enforcement community in promoting best practices, continuous improvement, and public trust through the accreditation process. Her recognition as an Accreditation Manager Certification holder is a testament to her commitment to excellence and the positive impact that dedicated professionals like her have on the quality and integrity of law enforcement services.
