After evaluating the collected data , the results of the study showed a positive correlation existed for agencies that held either a CALEA Accreditation or Georgia State Certification . The data below represents the average scores for responses in each of the areas studied .
This study revealed law enforcement agencies in Georgia overall have a positive public perception . It was noted , however , agencies that achieved accreditation or certification enjoyed a much better public perception . While this study ultimately does not answer all questions about accreditation and certification , there is a strong argument for agencies to work towards implementing the standards .
There are many barriers that can prevent an agency from attaining and keeping State Certification , including cost and concerns regarding lack of control .
Conversely , as other agencies across the country have already demonstrated , doing nothing may likely result in a much higher cost and potential for losing control .
Christopher M . Cooke retired after 25 years of law enforcement service , most of which was with the Dalton Police Department . He holds a Doctorate of Public Administration from Valdosta State University and is a graduate the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and the 238th Session of the FBI National Academy .
1 Jones , Jeffrey M ., In U . S ., Confidence in Police Lowest in 22 Years , https :// news . callup . com / pol / 183704 / confidence-police-lowest-years . aspx ( June 2015 ), p . 3 . 2 Ibid . 3 McCabe , B . Ponomariov , B . & Estrada , F . ( 2018 ). “ Professional cities : Accredited agencies , government structure , and rational choice ”, Public Administration Review , 78 ( 2 ), 295-304 . 4 Hughes , A . G . & Teodoro , M . P . ( 2012 ). “ Socializer or signal ? How agency accreditation affects organizational culture ”, Public Administration Review , 72 ( 4 ), 583-591 .
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