By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday it has become an accredited law enforcement agency.
The more than year-long process is one that takes considerable effort and determination to complete, and is something the community should be very proud of, according to the sheriff’s office.
The formal notice came last week from the Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
“The men and women employed by this office continually strive to make a positive difference in our community,” Sheriff Steve Mansfield wrote. “The accreditation is just another way to show members of this community how truly professional and progressive our office is.”
Among various objectives, accreditation is meant to demonstrate an agency meets commonly accepted standards for efficient and effective operation, according to WASPC.
Only about 50 agencies statewide are accredited, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Chehalis Police Department was the first agency in the county to receive accreditation in 1999 and the Centralia Police Department followed in late 2008.