TDCJ News

Office of the Inspector General Recognized as an “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program

On February 20, 2024, the Office of the Inspector General received the award of “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Established in 2006, the Accreditation Program evaluates a law enforcement agency’s compliance with over 170 standards for Texas Law Enforcement. These standards were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. These standards address all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

This voluntary process required the Office of the Inspector General to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities, and operations. Beginning in September of 2023, the agency began the lengthy process to become an “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” by conducting a thorough assessment of all current policies and procedures. Policy modifications and procedural updates were made as needed along with the necessary training to implement them effectively. Upon completion of the internal process, TPCA was contacted, and an assessment requested. This lengthy assessment, which culminated with a final on-site review by trained assessors who are police leaders from around the state, took place on February 14, 2024. The completed assessment was then presented to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Accreditation Committee for final analysis.

On February 20, 2024, the agency was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” award. The Office of the Inspector General becomes the 206th agency in the state to be so accredited and the second state law enforcement agency to achieve this status. This process provided for an independent review of the agencies’ operations as well as ongoing compliance requirements and reassessments which will assure the citizens of Texas of OIG’s commitment to meeting the public’s expectations for accountability in law enforcement.

More information and a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website.