These changes were reported in eight major change notices issued between September 1983 and November 1992. In May 1987, the Commission reprinted the second edition of the Standards Manual in loose-leaf form and initiated an update service. ASAP is an extra option available to assist agencies to complete the accreditation process. Following several drafts and a field review, the task force made final recommendation the Commission and the third edition of the Standards Manual was approved in March 1994. The third edition contains 436 law enforcement standards which law enforcement agencies must comply with to attain and maintain accredited status.
Initial accreditation is for three years.
At that time, a thorough review is made of the agency to assure maintained compliance with the standards. If approved the agency is re-accredited in 3 year intervals. In addition, each agency must file an annual report to the Commission describing any changes in the department's makeup, or in their compliance with the standards. Each agency assigns an individual as the Accreditation Manager. This individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with the accreditation standards and maintains a comprehensive file on all applicable documentation.