Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program

In 2023 the Iowa Police Chiefs Association and the Iowa Sheriffs and Deputies Association partnered for the development of the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). Iowa is only one of approximately a dozen states that does not currently have a state accreditation program for law enforcement. State law enforcement accreditation programs are designed to help law enforcement agencies establish and maintain standards that represent current professional law enforcement best practices; to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of law enforcement services; and to establish standards that address and reduce liability for the agency and its members.

The Iowa Police Chief's Association was granted funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing for the development of the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Retired Chief of Police Michael Venema began his duties as the ILEAP Director in July of 2024.

What Is Law Enforcement Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary program aimed at achieving three main goals:

1. Establish and Maintain Standards: Ensuring that law enforcement practices reflect the most current and effective professional standards.
2. Increase Effectiveness and Efficiency: Enhancing the delivery of law enforcement services to the community.
3. Reduce Liability: Implementing standards that minimize liability for agencies and their members.

Accreditation in Other Fields:

Hospitals, universities, accounting firms, and many other disciplines benefit from accreditation. Iowa law enforcement agencies can now achieve similar recognition through ILEAP.

Goals of ILEAP Accreditation:

• Recognition of Professional Excellence: Acknowledging your agency’s commitment to high standards and best practices.
• Formalize Essential Management Procedures: Systematizing processes to ensure consistency and quality.
• Improve Service Delivery: Enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement services.
• Boost Staff Confidence: Fostering a more confident and cohesive management team.
• Build Community Trust: Strengthening public faith in your agency’s operations and integrity.

• External Endorsement: Earn credibility and a stamp of approval from the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a recognized organization committed to the highest standards of Iowa law enforcement.
• Reduced Litigation Exposure: Lower the risk of legal challenges.
• Potentially Lower Liability Insurance Costs: Benefit from reduced insurance premiums.
• Enhanced Knowledge of Directives: Improve understanding and implementation of written policies for you and your employees.
• Increased Public Confidence and Trust: Demonstrate your agency’s commitment to excellence and transparency.

What Accreditation Means for Your Agency:

Achieving accreditation will demonstrate to your community and elected officials that your agency:

• Adheres to a comprehensive set of written directives.
• Has voluntarily submitted to external review and critique.
• Has reached a notable milestone in professional development.
• Engages in ongoing evaluation and refinement of policies and procedures.

Funding Opportunities:

Agencies interested in ILEAP accreditation are eligible for a limited number of grants to cover the initial application fee and the necessary software for initial accreditation. This financial support helps ensure that all Iowa law enforcement agencies are able to pursue this valuable recognition without undue financial burden.

We encourage all law enforcement agencies in Iowa to take this significant step toward excellence. For more information or to apply, please contact our office directly at: [email protected]

Act now to become a charter member of the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Let’s work together to advance the quality and effectiveness of law enforcement services across Iowa!

ILEAP Agency Application Form.pdf

ILEAP Standards Manual (Members ONLY)