The Geary County Sheriff’s Office announced that it has officially earned National Accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and State Accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP). The national accreditation was formally awarded on November 15, 2025, during the CALEA Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. The state accreditation was awarded on November 17, 2025.
With these achievements, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office becomes the first, and currently the only, sheriff’s office in the State of Kansas to receive dual accreditation at both the national and state levels. This accomplishment places the agency among a select group of public safety organizations recognized nationwide for excellence in professionalism, accountability, and community engagement.
Leadership and Commitment Behind the Achievement
The accreditation process was managed by Sergeant Steven Clarke, who served as the agency’s Accreditation Manager. Sergeant Clarke’s persistence, diligence, and unwavering determination were instrumental in navigating the rigorous, multi-year accreditation process.
During his first several months in office, newly elected Sheriff Nate Boeckman made accreditation a top priority. He held weekly meetings with command staff and Sergeant Clarke to review progress, address compliance requirements, and ensure the agency met all necessary standards. These focused efforts played a pivotal role in expediting and successfully completing the accreditation process.
“This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Boeckman. “I want to personally thank our hardworking staff, both current and former employees, who contributed to this effort over the years. I also want to recognize Sergeant Clarke for his persistence, leadership, and commitment as our Accreditation Manager.”
What is CALEA Accreditation?
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), established in 1979, develops and maintains professional standards for public safety agencies across the United States. CALEA Accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard in law enforcement professionalism.
What is KLEAP Accreditation?
The Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP), established in 2021, is a state-level program designed to help Kansas law enforcement agencies enhance their professionalism and performance by meeting state-specific standards.
To receive accreditation, agencies must demonstrate compliance with hundreds of nationally and state-recognized standards in areas such as:
- Accountability and internal oversight
- Use-of-force standards and reporting
- Community engagement and transparency
- Recruitment, training and personnel practices
· Leadership development and policy management
· Critical incident response
· Ethical and professional conduct
The national accreditation process includes an in-depth policy review, on-site assessments, public comment opportunities, and rigorous verification by CALEA assessors.
Accreditation is voluntary and requires regular renewal, ensuring accredited agencies remain committed to continuous improvement.
Benefits to the Community and the Sheriff’s Office
Achieving national and state accreditation demonstrates that the Geary County Sheriff’s Office is committed to:
· Raising professional standards
· Enhancing transparency and accountability
· Strengthening public trust and community relationships
· Improving internal processes and consistency in decision-making
· Reducing risk and liability
· Building a culture of ongoing excellence
As the first and only sheriff’s office in Kansas to achieve both national and state accreditation, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office has set a new benchmark for professional law enforcement standards within the state.