UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office has earned state accreditation for law enforcement and 9-1-1 communications, marking a significant achievement for the agency.
In a ceremony on February 18, Scott Hayes, Executive Director of the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, presented the Certificate of State Accreditation to Sheriff Terry Rowan and Undersheriff Jim Littlefield. This accreditation fulfills one of Sheriff Rowan’s primary goals and makes the office the 14th sheriff’s office and the 11th 9-1-1 center in Oregon to achieve this status.
Accreditation involves a rigorous process that ensures the agency’s policies and procedures align with industry best practices and Oregon laws. This process covers topics such as use of force, evidence procedures, and operational procedures for law enforcement and 9-1-1 communications. The goal is to enhance agency accountability, transparency, and service delivery.
Sheriff Rowan expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to our team who worked on this project, and our incredible staff who deserve the credit. The work they do every day makes it all possible.”
The Northwest Accreditation Alliance aims to improve the quality of law enforcement and 9-1-1 services in Oregon and Alaska. The U.S. Attorney General’s Office has recognized it as the independent credentialing body for Oregon, certifying compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice standards on safe policing principles.
The Umatilla County Jail had also been accredited in 2024 by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, highlighting the comprehensive achievements of the Sheriff’s Office across its divisions.
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