Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Police Division Is Reaccredited

NEW CITY, NY — Sheriff Louis Falco announced Wednesday that the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Police Division was reaccredited by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) at a formal ceremony in Albany April 2. The Police Division was initially accredited in 1987 by the New York State Sheriff’s Association Program which was the precursor to the current DCJS Program. The division then earned accreditation status under the DCJS Program in 2008, by meeting and or exceeding the standards set forth at that time. The division has since been reaccredited twice thereafter in 2013 and 2018.

The accreditation process details 110 standards that a law enforcement agency must meet or exceed in order to earn accreditation. Standards cover all aspects of Police Division Administration, Training and Operations. The accreditation process enables administrators to strengthen existing procedures while simultaneously, obtaining independent confirmation that policies comply with professional standards. It also improves morale and reduces incidences of liability and insurance costs. The process presents a professional image to the community that is served and boosts public confidence in the agency, according to a spokesperson.

Falco and Chief William Barbera along with members of his command staff attended the re-accreditation awards ceremony in Albany and received the Certificate of Accreditation awarded to the agency on behalf of the Division.

Falco said he was proud of the members of the Police Division who work hard day in and day out to provide professional services to people of Rockland County.

"Achieving re-accreditation involves a team effort from the chief down to the line officers," he said.

Falco said he wanted to personally thank each and every member of the Police Division, especially the accreditation team of Captain Antoine DeColyse, Detective Mark Swammy and Officer Matthew Leach.

Det. Swammy, the program manager, was also presented with the John Kimball O’Neil award for Program Managers.

Photo credit: Submitted.