Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accredited Status From Northwest Accreditation Alliance (Photo) - 09/25/26
ASTORIA, OR — The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office has earned accredited status from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance following a comprehensive review of its policies, procedures, and law enforcement practices.
The Northwest Accreditation Alliance Professional Standards Board unanimously approved the Sheriff’s Office for accreditation September 15.
The Sheriff’s Office joined the accreditation program in March 2025, and this was the first assessment under Sheriff Matt Phillips. The Northwest Accreditation Alliance program is designed to help law enforcement agencies establish and maintain standards reflecting current professional practices, accountability, transparency, and effective operations.
“This accreditation reflects the professionalism and dedication of the people who work for the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office every day,” Sheriff Phillips said. “I’m proud of our team and grateful for their commitment to serving Clatsop County.”
The assessment included an electronic review of policies, procedures, and documentation, followed by an on-site assessment. The on-site review included interviews with staff and inspections of facilities, equipment, and property and evidence operations.
The final assessment reviewed 111 standards, including 101 mandatory standards and 10 standards determined not applicable to the agency. The report identified no standards in non-compliance and found that no policy changes or additions were required to confirm compliance.
The report also noted that the Sheriff’s Office maintains clear and comprehensive policies in areas including use of force, training, public information, emergency response, patrol operations, records, and property and evidence management.
Following its review, the assessor and executive director recommended approval of the Sheriff’s Office for accreditation.
Accreditation is not a one-time process. The Sheriff’s Office will now begin a three-year reaccreditation period, continuing to maintain documentation and demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards.
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