Accreditation
North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation
The FWC Division of Law Enforcement is the first agency in the United States to be recommended for accreditation through the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program. The NAWLEA board will vote in March 2025 and, if approved, the FWC would be the first agency in the U.S. to be accredited through the NAWLEA program.
The NAWLEA program plays a vital role in advancing the natural resources law enforcement profession through best practices and accountability. By meeting NAWLEA’s approximately 70 rigorous standards and earning accreditation, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement will enhance its commitment to transparency, professionalism and the highest standards of service in achieving its mission for the people of Florida. Learn more about the FWC’s pursuit of accreditation through NAWLEA.
Find more information about the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program.
Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation
The FWC Division of Law Enforcement was awarded excelsior status, the most prestigious achievement in Florida accreditation, by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) at their February 2024 conference. Excelsior status is reserved for criminal justice agencies that have received accreditation five consecutive times. The Division of Law Enforcement received their initial accredited status in February 2009.
The Division’s achievement of accredited status makes it the largest conservation law enforcement agency in the nation to achieve this level of distinction and the 8th largest accredited law enforcement agency in Florida - preceded in rank by the Florida Highway Patrol and six sheriffs' offices.
Receiving a reaccredited status demonstrates a continued commitment to professional excellence and increases the Division's ability to fulfill its mission of protecting Florida's natural resources and people through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services.
The CFA is the accrediting body for law enforcement agencies for the State of Florida. Accreditation requires consistency, transparency, and accountability, confirmed through a CFA assessment. Assessors review files; conduct interviews with agency members; observe operations; and review agency equipment, policies and procedures to prove compliance, uniformity, and consistency with about 240 CFA accreditation standards. Assessments are conducted at several of the Division’s field offices, evidence facilities and regional communications centers.
Find more information about the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
The FWC Division of Law Enforcement received their Excelsior recognition plaque at the Feb. 19-23, 2024, Florida Police Accreditation Conference. Pictured left to right: Sheriff Billy Woods of Marion County, Captain Dana Russell, Colonel Brian G. Smith, Accreditation Manager Elizabeth Kamerick, Lieutenant Richard Doricchi, and Stacy Lehman, Executive Director of the Florida Accreditation Office.
Contact Information
If you have questions or feedback regarding accreditation, contact Accreditation Manager Elizabeth Kamerick at Elizabeth.Kamerick@MyFWC.com or 850-294-0539.