To protect and serve

Law enforcement officers—LEOs—have been in the news a lot lately.

County Sheriffs are Constitutional Officers elected by the people they serve and protect. In Goochland, our Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency tasked with service of civil process documents; providing court security; and enforcing the laws of Virginia.

To earn and maintain public trust and confidence in its operation, the GCSO has demonstrated that it meets commonly accepted standards for a law enforcement agency by becoming accredited through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC).

On September 30, the GCSO announced that it had, for the sixth consecutive four-year term, earned accreditation by the VLEPSC. This commission is comprised of law enforcement agencies and commissions including the Virginia Sheriff’s Association; the Virginia Association of the Chiefs of Police; and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The GCSO was first accredited in 1999.

The accreditation process is a detailed, in-depth review of every aspect of a law enforcement agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration. Process standards provide a yardstick to measure and monitor agency performance and effectiveness of its policies time. Other benefits include streamlining operations, defining services, and devising strategies for effective deployment of agency manpower. (See the VLEPSC website: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/law-enforcement/programs/vlepscaccreditation for details.)

Fulfilling the requirements for reaccreditation is a considerable achievement in normal times. To do so in the first year of a newly elected sheriff ‘s term during the bizarre and challenging environment of the Covid pandemic is extraordinary.

Kudos to Sheriff Steven Creasey and every member of his department for demonstrating your commitment to good policing and dedication to community service.