professional STANDARDS

The Office of Professional Standards oversees the functions of Internal Affairs, Applicant Background Investigations and Accreditation. This Division is vital to the basic operations of the Sheriff’s Department.

Internal Affairs and Background Investigations
 
The Internal Affairs and Background investigations have become a more vital mission than in the past. Our mission is to provide honesty and accountability to the citizens we serve.  Major John Cottle is the Internal Affairs Commander and oversees the functions of background investigations and personnel.  It is the mission of Internal Affairs to see that each complaint, handled at either the division level or through an Internal Affairs Investigation, receives the same treatment and quality of investigation.  A statistical review is conducted to address whether additional training may be necessary. It is only through these actions that we will continue to maintain the public’s trust. The employees of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department strive daily to provide you, a citizen of Lincoln County, with professional and courteous service delivered in a prompt manner.
 
One key to rendering a premiere level of service is open communications with those we serve. In keeping with this philosophy, we actively seek your comments and concerns.
 
Should you feel that you have been treated in a manner that is anything less than professional by any employee of this agency, we ask that you request to meet with a supervisor or use our on-line complaint form. The supervisor will listen to your concerns and advise you of the steps to be taken.
 
Our objective is to treat every citizen of Lincoln County with dignity and respect. Our goal is to not only meet but also exceed your expectations, and with your help, success is assured.  Listed below is a summary of investigated complaints from 2007.

2007 ANNUAL SUMMARY OF IA COMPLAINTS
Complaint	Sustained	Not Sustained	Undetermined	TOTAL
Discourteous/Rude Conduct	1	1	2	4
Conduct Unbecoming and Employee	0	0	0	0
Minor Unprofessional Conduct	0	1	0	1
Failure to Act	1	0	0	1
Overcrowding of Inmates	0	0	0	0
Improper Search	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	2	2	6

Accreditation 
 
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: The International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and Police Executive Research Forum. The Commission’s purpose is to establish standards of professional excellence for public safety and to develop and administer a process for recognizing professional excellence.
 
Sheriff Torres and his command staff recognized the benefits of accreditation and voluntarily sought to provide the highest level of professionalism law enforcement could offer to the citizens of Lincoln County. The members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department intended to complete its Accreditation in March of 2008. If this award is achieved, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department will be the first agency in Lincoln County to have ever received such distinction. 
 
Corporal Andy Binder is the Accreditation Manager.  He works diligently to ensure compliance with the CALEA Standards by requiring that the proper paperwork is submitted for review on a monthly basis.  Conducting these reviews ensures compliance and also allows for the correction and implementation of policy.  Currently there are 479 standards for the Sheriff’s Department.  A properly trained Accreditation Manager keeps up with new trends in law enforcement and enables the agency to operate in a professional and modern manner. It is only through training and review that this level of professionalism can be maintained. What was acceptable yesterday will not be acceptable tomorrow; it is only through accreditation that we will meet the goals for the future.