In the early 1980’s, New York State Sheriffs’ developed and implemented a first-in-the-nation state level accreditation program for law enforcement operations.

The program for Sheriffs’ Offices was so successful and popular that the State of New York was moved to adopt the program and to extend its availability to all law enforcement agencies in the State. The Sheriffs assisted the State Division of Criminal Justice Services in developing the State’s accreditation standards, and Sheriffs representatives continue to play an integral role in the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha, Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh, and Chenango County Sheriff Thomas Loughren now serve on the State Accreditation Council and numerous active and retired Sheriffs’ employees serve as peer-review assessors.

Twenty-five Sheriffs’ Offices currently maintain State Law enforcement accreditation status under the State operated program, along with ninety-four other state and local police agencies.

At the Accreditation Council’s March 2008 meeting three Sheriffs’ Offices were recognized.

Albany County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Jim Campbell, whose office first received Law Enforcement Accreditation in 2003, received reaccredidation (the designation of Law Enforcement Accreditation is for 5 years) at the Council meeting. Sheriff Campbell is committed to excellence in Sheriff’s services and Law Enforcement Accreditation is one pillar of that effort.

Oswego County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Reuel “Moe” Todd’s Office also received Law Enforcement Reaccredidation. The Oswego County Sheriffs’ Office first received Law Enforcement Accreditation in 1989. They since have been reaccredited 3 times and are one the longest tenured accredited law enforcement agencies in New York State.

Rockland County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff James Kralik’s Office received Law Enforcement Accreditation. The Rockland County Sheriffs’ Office had originally been accredited but had let it lapse. Sheriff Kralik pledged to never let that happen again.

Sheriff Reuel "Moe" Todd, right, thanks the Accreditation Council for the Reaccreditation of the Oswego County Sheriff's Office. Looking on are Oswego County Undersheriff Robert Lighthall and Commissioner Denise O'Donnell, Division of Criminal Justice Services and Undersecretary of Criminal Justice.

Sheriff Jim Campbell of Albany County proudly accepts the plaque signifying his Offices Reaccreditation from Commissioner Denise O'Donnell, Division of Criminal Justice Services and Underssecretary of Criminal Justice.

Sheriff James Kralik, left, accepts the plaque signifying his Offices Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Accreditation Council's Chairman, Chief Lloyd Perkins. Deputy Commissoner John Bilich proudly looks on.