Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Receives Re-Accreditation

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Project Coordinator Richard E. Hammon presented the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office with their third Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission certificate at the courthouse on May 10, the sheriff's office announced in a news release Tuesday.

Less than 10 percent of Pennsylvania sheriff’s offices have achieved accreditation status.

"I am proud that our office is part of such an elite group,” Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny said in a statement. “Residents can feel confident that we are doing our best to serve them and keep them safe.”

Reaching and maintaining accreditation status also saves taxpayer dollars since, insurance liability rates are reduced.

MCSO Bomb Unit Commander and Accreditation Manager Lt. Allen F. Stewart worked closely with MCSO staff and the commission’s 2016 team leaders to coordinate the accreditation effort.

The commission voted unanimously to re-accredit the MCSO, which had to pass 330 standards, including subsets, during a two-day onsite audit covering a three-year period. The commission focused on procedural activities such as, organization and management, law enforcement functions, state legal mandates, use of force, fiscal management, disciplinary procedures, management of cells and holding areas, and property and evidence control.

In addition, the audit also included file and equipment inspections, personnel interviews, and deputy oversight during law enforcement activities. Furthermore, agencies working towards accreditation are required to attend seminars and complete training requirements for 18 months during the three-year cycle.

Hammon said that attaining re-accreditation can be even more difficult than becoming accredited for the first time, since agencies must show proofs of compliance for each of the preceding three years.

The MCSO earned its initial accreditation in 2010, and was re-accredited in 2013 and 2016.