Angela Sparks knows how to get the job done. In fact, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s accreditation manager does her job so well that she is one of only 13 nationwide who recently reached the level of Certified Accreditation Manager. That is 13 out of more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies who are accredited by CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
“I feel accomplished to achieve this, and receiving this certification has only enhanced and helped me understand my strengths and abilities,” Sparks said.
As DPS’ Accreditation Manager, Sparks ensures that the department stays in compliance with CALEA’s nationally recognized standards that agencies must meet to achieve accreditation, from training to public information to officer safety. DPS has been the state’s largest accredited law enforcement agency since 1998, and in 2013, was honored with the CALEA Accreditation with Excellence Award.
“It’s an enormous responsibility to have, but it gives us the opportunity to be the best agency,” Sparks said. “The standards are ever-changing, and it’s important to adapt to them regardless of the timeframe we’re given. It guides us to make our policies better.”
Becoming a Certified Accreditation Manager provides opportunity for successful managers to earn specific credentials as experts in the process of accreditation. The requirements are lengthy and stringent, including: being an accreditation manager for four consecutive years; ensuring the agency is accredited for four years successfully; attending an 11-week online accreditation class; and letters of recommendation from the agency director, CALEA regional program manager, and a peer at another accredited agency. The process ends with a 100-question final exam that consists of applying CALEA standards to scenarios and determining if a standard is in compliance.
“I haven’t been to school in a long time, so it was intimidating at first,” Sparks said of the rigorous requirements. “It was a matter of finding time to complete the courses while still doing my job here. It usually meant coming in early to get it all done.”
Even with her hard work, Sparks said she could not have achieved this without help and support from others, including her program assistant Donna Albert; her supervisor, Lt. Colonel Donald Banister; and Major Patrick McLean.
“I wouldn’t have the knowledge and experience I have now if it weren’t for the team effort,” said Sparks. “I love what I do. If you ever hear me say I have nothing to do, something’s wrong, because there’s always something to do.”
Although she was not able to be physically present to receive her award, Sparks was recognized earlier this month at CALEA’s Summer Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Still, she says, her team is not slowing down.
“We aren’t just serving our employees, we are serving residents and visitors of South Carolina,” she said. “Good work creates itself. If we keep doing what’s right, we will always be on top.”