Lead with Standards. Earn Trust. Strengthen Your Agency.

Welcome to the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program

The Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) is a voluntary, statewide accreditation program administered by the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. ALEAP provides agencies with a proven framework to strengthen operations, reduce risk, and demonstrate a clear commitment to professional excellence.  Accreditation is more than a recognition—it’s a roadmap. Through a structured, standards-based process, ALEAP helps agencies improve accountability, increase public confidence, and ensure services align with nationally recognized best practices. 

Why Enroll in ALEAP?

Agencies that participate in ALEAP gain:

  • Credibility & Public Trust – Show your community, governing body, and courts that your agency meets established professional standards.
  • Risk Reduction – Strengthen policies, procedures, and documentation that help reduce liability and support defensible decision-making.
  • Operational Consistency – Build clear, repeatable practices that support staff at every level of the organization.
  • Continuous Improvement – Move beyond “checking the box” and create a culture focused on growth, accountability, and excellence.
  • Leadership Support – Access guidance, training, and peer support from experienced accreditation professionals.

Risk Mitigation & Prevention: Protecting Your Agency Before Issues Arise

One of the most significant benefits of ALEAP participation is its role in proactive risk mitigation and prevention. Accreditation is not reactive—it is designed to help agencies identify vulnerabilities before they result in incidents, litigation, or loss of public trust.

Through ALEAP’s standards-based framework, agencies systematically evaluate policies, procedures, training, and documentation to ensure they are clear, current, and defensible. This process helps eliminate inconsistencies, close operational gaps, and reduce reliance on informal or outdated practices that often create liability.

How ALEAP Reduces Risk

  • Policy Clarity & Legal Defensibility
    Clear, well-documented policies aligned with accepted professional standards provide a strong foundation for decision-making and are critical when actions are reviewed by courts, auditors, or oversight bodies.
  • Consistency in Operations
    Accreditation promotes standardized practices across shifts, units, and personnel—reducing variability that can lead to errors, complaints, or critical incidents.
  • Early Identification of Gaps
    The self-assessment and on-site review processes help agencies identify weaknesses in training, supervision, documentation, or equipment before they escalate into larger issues.
  • Improved Documentation & Accountability
    ALEAP emphasizes documentation that demonstrates not just what policies exist, but how they are applied, trained, and supervised—key factors in reducing exposure during investigations or litigation.
  • Strengthened Supervision & Leadership Oversight
    Accreditation standards reinforce the role of supervisors and command staff in monitoring compliance, addressing performance issues early, and supporting personnel with clear expectations.

Prevention Through a Culture of Standards

ALEAP encourages agencies to move beyond minimum compliance and toward a culture of prevention—where risks are anticipated, addressed, and continuously monitored. Agencies that fully engage in accreditation are better positioned to:

  • Reduce internal and external complaints
  • Minimize costly legal and insurance impacts
  • Improve employee confidence and decision-making
  • Demonstrate due diligence to governing bodies and insurers

Accreditation sends a clear message: your agency is committed to doing things the right way—before something goes wrong.

ALEAP Accreditation & Certification Programs

Law Enforcement Accreditation

ALEAP’s flagship program evaluates agencies against 174 comprehensive standards covering all areas of law enforcement operations. Accreditation demonstrates a sustained commitment to best practices, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Emergency Communications Centers Accreditation

This program assesses dispatch and communications centers using 39 professional standards, helping centers strengthen operations, improve service delivery, and clearly document compliance.

Property & Evidence Accreditation

A specialized review conducted by experienced property and evidence professionals, covering51 standards focused on legal compliance, accountability, and evidence integrity.

ACE & FOCUS Leadership Certifications

Leadership development programs designed to prepare and support leaders at every level—from first-line supervisors to executive staff—by emphasizing principled leadership, organizational culture, and long-term success.

There are more than 60 Arizona law enforcement agencies enrolled in the accreditation programs.  Whether you are a small, rural, tribal, or large agency, ALEAP provides the structure, guidance, and support to help you succeed.  Start your accreditation journey today.

Visit AZLEAP.org