Article 5. Local Law Enforcement Accreditation of California Penal Code >> Title 4. >> Part 4. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 5.

For the purposes of this article the following terms apply:
  (a) "Local law enforcement" means city police and county sheriffs' departments.
  (b) "Accreditation" means meeting and maintaining standards that render the agency eligible for certification by ascribing to publicly recognized principles for the professional operation of local law enforcement agencies.

(a) The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training shall develop regulations and professional standards for the law enforcement accreditation program when funding for this purpose from nongeneral funds is approved by the Legislature. The program shall provide standards for the operation of law enforcement agencies and shall be available as soon as practical after funding becomes available. The standards shall serve as a basis for the uniform operation of law enforcement agencies throughout the state to best serve the interests of the people of this state.
  (b) The commission may, from time to time, amend the regulations and standards or adopt new standards relating to the accreditation program.

(a) Participation in this accreditation program is limited to police departments, sheriffs' departments, and the California Highway Patrol. Other law enforcement agencies shall be eligible for accreditation after January 1, 1998.
  (b) Participation shall be voluntary and shall be initiated upon the application of the chief executive officer of each agency.

Nothing in this article shall prohibit a law enforcement agency from establishing standards that exceed the minimum accreditation standards set by the commission.