SECTIONS 13550-13553 - California Statutes

PENAL CODE

SECTION 13550-13553

13550. For the purposes of this article the following terms apply:
(a) "Local law enforcement" means city police and county sheriffs'
departments.
(b) "Accreditation" means meeting and maintaining standards that
render the agency eligible for certification by ascribing to publicly
recognized principles for the professional operation of local law
enforcement agencies.

13551. (a) The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
shall develop regulations and professional standards for the law
enforcement accreditation program when funding for this purpose from
nongeneral funds is approved by the Legislature. The program shall
provide standards for the operation of law enforcement agencies and
shall be available as soon as practical after funding becomes
available. The standards shall serve as a basis for the uniform
operation of law enforcement agencies throughout the state to best
serve the interests of the people of this state.
(b) The commission may, from time to time, amend the regulations
and standards or adopt new standards relating to the accreditation
program.

13552. (a) Participation in this accreditation program is limited
to police departments, sheriffs' departments, and the California
Highway Patrol. Other law enforcement agencies shall be eligible for
accreditation after January 1, 1998.
(b) Participation shall be voluntary and shall be initiated upon
the application of the chief executive officer of each agency.

13553. Nothing in this article shall prohibit a law enforcement
agency from establishing standards that exceed the minimum
accreditation standards set by the commission.