"An accreditation program has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards."

The Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) has standards that have been set forth that a law enforcement agency must continually demonstrate compliance with to obtain and maintain accredited status. The process for law enforcement agencies to achieve accreditation is a purely voluntary one. This process affirms an agency’s commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and service.

The Satellite Beach Police Department has participated in Florida’s accreditation program since 1998 and became the first law enforcement agency in Brevard County to earn state accreditation in 2000. Since then, assessors conduct on-site reviews every three years to examine policies, procedures, and operations to ensure compliance with more than 240 standards specific to Florida law enforcement agencies.

In 2015, SBPD was reaccredited and awarded the prestigious Excelsior Recognition by the CFA Board. This honor represents the highest level of achievement in Florida accreditation and is granted to agencies that complete reaccreditation with no corrective actions required. SBPD also earned Excelsior Recognition in 2018 and 2021. On October 3, 2024, the department once again achieved reaccreditation and received Excelsior Status for the fourth consecutive cycle.

Benefits of Accreditation To the Community

  • Improves the department’s ability to prevent and control crime through efficient, professional service delivery.

  • Increase public understanding of law enforcement roles, goals, and responsibilities.

  • Strengthens community trust in agency policies and practices.

  • Supports community policing by promoting crime prevention programs and public partnerships.

  • Encourages collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to establish shared goals and expectations.