21 July 1999

Bedford County Sheriff's Office Earns Accreditation

The Bedford County Sheriff's Office this date became the 9th sheriff's office and only the 18th law enforcement agency to meet or exceed a rigorous set of standards set forth by th Commonwealth of Virginia and earn accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, or VLEPSC. 

This accreditation confirms that the law-abiding citizens of and visitors to the County may have confidence that their law enforcement agency is among the finest in America.  It also serves as a reminder to those who would violate the law:  "If you're going to break the law, don't do it in Bedford County, Virginia."  The Bedford County Sheriff's Office today joins the esteemed ranks of the following Virginia law enforcement agencies, who have earned accreditation since 1996:
 
 

The Virginia Sheriffís Association and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police make up the VLEPSC. Executive board members consisting of active Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police established 210 professional standards and administer the accreditation process by which Virginia agencies can be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated. The program is independent of state government, however, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services manages day-to-day operations for the Commission.

Read articles here about the BCSO's accreditation from The Bedford Bulletin, The Lynchburg News and Advance and The Roanoke Times.

Thanks and congratulations are in order to every deputy, staff member and volunteer who helps to make the Bedford County Sheriff's Office one of the finest law enforcement agencies in America.

The Bedford County Sheriff's Office was founded 12 June 1754... a proud tradition, and continues its commitment to excellence today.