YORK COUNTY, SC – After a thorough review of agency policies and procedures, Sheriff Tony Breeden proudly announces that the York County Sheriff’s Office has received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA) for the sixth time since 2008. This marks an advanced level of accreditation through CALEA.
On November 14, 2025, Sheriff Breeden, Major Fred Moore, Accreditation Manager Lt. Kim Morehouse, and General Counsel Heather Mouzon appeared before the CALEA Commission Board in Jacksonville, Florida. The commission confirmed that the YCSO earned this accreditation, which is awarded to law enforcement agencies by CALEA.
“Achieving a sixth re-accreditation from CALEA demonstrates the ongoing dedication and hard work of every member of the York County Sheriff’s Office and shows our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Breeden.
The Advanced Levels of CALEA accreditation are available to agencies with adequate human and financial resources that can consistently surpass basic service standards. This advanced accreditation provides agencies with additional ways to verify accountability to those who expect and depend on the highest level of public safety services.
Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation involves additional standards that further validate an agency’s ongoing commitment to achieving the highest possible level of professionalism. The process begins with an intensive self-assessment, reviewing policies, practices, and procedures against internationally recognized public safety standards. This is followed by an evaluation conducted by independent assessors with extensive public safety experience.
“I want to personally thank Lt. Morehouse for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication during this CALEA process,” said Sheriff Breeden. “Her professionalism is clearly reflected in the success of our onsite review and the commission board’s evaluation.”
Public feedback is also gathered to foster community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with selected personnel and others knowledgeable about the agency’s effectiveness and service delivery. A governing body of 21 Commissioners reviews all reports and holds a public hearing before making the final decision to award accreditation. CALEA accreditation is an ongoing process, serving as the foundation for a well-managed, transparent, and community-focused public safety agency. To maintain accredited status, an agency must continually comply with CALEA standards.
Established in 1979, CALEA functions as a credentialing authority created through the joint efforts of major law enforcement executive associations, aiming to improve public safety services by developing standards created by public safety practitioners. More information about CALEA can be found at www.calea.org.
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