Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Earns Law Enforcement Accreditation

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office has earned accredited status from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance after completing 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 on September 15.

The Sheriff’s Office joined the accreditation program in March 2025. The recent assessment was the agency’s first under Sheriff Matt Phillips.

The Northwest Accreditation Alliance accreditation program is designed to help law enforcement agencies establish and maintain standards based on 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,” Phillips said. “I’m proud of our team and grateful for their commitment to serving Clatsop County.”

The assessment began with an electronic review of agency policies, procedures and documentation, followed by an on-site assessment. The on-site portion included interviews with staff and inspections of facilities, equipment, and property and evidence operations.

Assessors reviewed 111 standards, including 101 mandatory standards. Ten standards were determined to be not applicable to the agency.

The final report found no standards in non-compliance and determined that no policy changes or additions were necessary to confirm compliance.

The report also highlighted the Sheriff’s Office’s policies covering areas such as use of force, training, public information, emergency response, patrol operations, records, and property and evidence management.

Following the assessment, the assessor and executive director recommended that the Sheriff’s Office be approved for accreditation.

The accreditation marks the beginning of a three-year reaccreditation period. During that time, the Sheriff’s Office will continue maintaining documentation and demonstrating compliance with the accreditation standards.