ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) has achieved state accreditation.

TCSO is recognized for “a high level of excellence and professionalism” in administration, training, and operations, the three standards established by the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Council.

The Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Program is voluntary and designed to improve an agency’s effectiveness and foster public confidence in law enforcement.

Any police department or sheriff’s office in New York can participate in the program, however, just 33% of law enforcement agencies across the state have obtained the credential. The rigorous program has established 112 standards based on best-known practices. Three assessors review an agency’s policies remotely and then conduct a three-day in-person review.

TCSO is the only accredited municipal agency in Tompkins County.

“Accreditation has been a goal of our administration for the past 6 years, and achieving it is a testament to our commitment to serve our community to the best of our ability,” said Sheriff Derek Osborne, who credits program manager and Undersheriff Jennifer Olin with the result. “Without her, none of this could have happened.”

The accreditation lasts through September 11, 2029. The Tompkins County Corrections Division also recently received re-accreditation through the program established by the NYS Sheriff’s Association.