Accreditation in Action: Why It Matters for California Agencies

Accreditation in Action: Why it Matters
for California Agencies

At a recent panel discussion hosted by Denton Carlson of the California Police Chiefs Association, Matthew Cromer (BART, 400 personnel) and Chief Jeff Smith (Pismo Beach, 40 personnel) shared candid insights on the value, challenges, and impact of accreditation.

California is one of the last states to establish a state-specific accreditation program, and with rising expectations around transparency, accountability, and professionalism, the need has never been clearer. As Denton Carlson noted,

“The microscope is on us, and accreditation is one of the ways agencies are responding to those expectations.”

Speakers emphasized that accreditation is not simply about having policies in place. It is about proving that agencies consistently follow them. “It’s not just having policies,” Chief Jeff Smith explained. “It’s showing you’re actually doing what you say you’re doing.” That external validation carries significant weight with city leadership, the public, and in legal contexts.

The path to accreditation varies by agency. Smaller departments often distribute responsibilities across staff, while larger agencies rely on dedicated accreditation managers and subject matter experts. Regardless of size, success depends on embedding accreditation into daily operations and building organizational buy-in.

Initial resistance is common, particularly around workload and resource demands. However, panelists stressed that this mindset shifts over time. “We went from nobody understanding why we were doing it to supervisors identifying proofs in real time,” Chief Smith shared, highlighting how accreditation can transform culture and ownership across an organization.

Importantly, accreditation is not a one-time achievement. It is an ongoing process of continuous improvement.

The benefits are tangible. Agencies reported reduced liability, stronger legal defensibility, improved access to funding, and increased credibility with stakeholders. Accreditation also provides structure that endures beyond leadership changes, helping prevent mission drift and maintain consistent standards.

Importantly, accreditation is not a one-time achievement. It is an ongoing process of continuous improvement. “It’s a process, not a destination,” Matt Cromer said. “It’s about professionalism, safety, and community trust.”

For agencies considering the path forward, the message was clear: accreditation is demanding, but achievable. In today’s environment, it is an investment that strengthens both the organization and the community it is an investment that strengthens both the organization and the community it serves, now and into the future.

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Applications for CAPS are now open. Agencies interested in joining the next group are encouraged to apply early. Applications for cohort 2 must be submitted by June 15.

Designed specifically for California, CAPS offers a structured, supportive path to accreditation for agencies of all sizes. To learn more, visit: https://www.capublicsafety.org/