GAINESVILLE - Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch will receive the State Certification Award along with Commission Chairman Richard Mecum.
This year, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office underwent re-certification for the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program, administered by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). The program established its standards based on best practices and professional requirements for law enforcement agencies and is administered by some of the State’s most highly regarded professionals. Since 2003, the Sheriff’s Office has continued to receive certification through the State Certification Program.
For an agency to be granted State Certification, it requires compliance with more than 130 standards all of which, Hall County Sheriff’s Office has been able to meet or exceed every year, making it one of the 108 out of 700 statewide law enforcement agencies to meet certification requirements.
Being State Certified this saves the County approximately $20,000 per year in insurance premium reductions. The certification process consists of experienced law enforcement professionals from outside agencies that inspect the facility, examine policies and procedures and audit files that are compiled to verify compliance with each certification standard.
“We continue to exceed all of the standards set by the State Certification Program and will continue to improve by setting the highest standards for ourselves through our hard work and commitment to serve the citizens of Hall County," Couch said. “We set the benchmark through our service to the community and by keeping our citizens safe.”
Deputy John Marshall will also receive an award from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police in his capacity as a manager of the Office of Professional Standards. Marshall is responsible for reviewing Hall County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures and publishing updates as needed to ensure compliance with State Certification. Marshall will receive the Certification Manager Award. OFFIC
