On October 7, 2021, Sheriff Rick Staly was elected by his peers to serve as the Chair for the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation (FCLEA). He has served as a Commissioner since 2018 when he was appointed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association and has served as the Vice-Chair since 2020. FCLEA is an independent 15-member commission established by Florida law whose members are appointed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Florida Police Chief’s Association, and City/County Government Organizations.

“This statewide leadership position allows me to ensure that our citizens know that law enforcement in Florida adheres to the highest standards of integrity and professional excellence,” Sheriff Staly said.  “I am honored to be elected by my peers on the Commission to serve as the Chair for the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation. Being elected to serve as Chair of the Commission allows me the opportunity to ensure Florida law enforcement agencies deliver law enforcement services at the highest standards in professional policing.”

Accreditation is the certification by an independent Commission that an agency has met specific requirements and standards. The Commission meets three times per year to oversee the accreditation program and to officially accredit or re-accredit agencies that have passed the rigorous review process to ensure accredited agencies remain in full compliance. Agencies can also have their accreditation revoke for non-compliance. An accreditation program is recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professional law enforcement service. Sheriff Staly has been involved in accreditation since 1996 at the state and international levels and this is the first time in FCSO’s history that a Flagler Sheriff has been elected Chair of the Commission.

Currently, there are 177 Law Enforcement Agencies and 38 Inspector General Offices accredited in Florida. Two additional agencies have recently applied for accreditation. Accreditation has been at the forefront of police reform measures across the country and Florida has been a leader in police accreditation.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is a 4-Diamond accredited Agency maintaining accreditation in 9-1-1 Communications, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Ethics.

Learn more at: http://www.flaccreditation.org/

Date: October 11, 2021

Prepared by: Melissa Morreale

Phone and Email: (386) 529-4086; mmorreale@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021-232