WCSO becomes 20th sheriff's office in Georgia to be certified

CLEVELAND - The White County Sheriff's office has been recognized for achieving state certification, a lengthy process that few sheriff's departments have completed.

Gainesville Police Chief Brian Kelly, representing Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, attended the White County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday and presented the certification plaque to White County Sheriff Neal Walden.

Kelly said the agency certification program identified 129 standards that are essential to the efficient and effective operation of law enforcement agencies.

"To achieve this honor, an agency must be ahead of most in training, policy, supervision, discipline and accountability," Kelly said.

Of the more than 100 law enforcement agencies in the state who have gone through this process, only 20 are sheriff's offices.

The White County Sheriff's Office became the 20th department out of 159 counties to successfully complete the process.

Walden said he is proud of what this certification means. "It's been a long program, but it will benefit White County in the future," Walden said.

Walden credited WCSO Training and Certification Coordinator Robyn Still for doing most of the work in the process.