Media

NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF,
HOWARD COUNTY
Contact: Meaghan McKelvey
410-313-4201
mmckelvey@howardcountymd.gov

For Immediate Release:

Howard County Sheriff's Office Earns National CALEA Accreditation

Ellicott City, Md. — The Howard County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that it has officially 
received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a 
nationally recognized credential that represents the highest standards in public safety and law 
enforcement professionalism.

The accreditation was awarded following a rigorous review process that evaluated the agency’s 
policies, procedures, operations, and  commitment to continuous improvement. CALEA accreditation is 
considered the gold standard in public safety and demonstrates the Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to 
accountability, transparency, and excellence in service to the Howard County community.

“This accreditation reflects the professionalism, integrity, and hard work of every member of our 
agency,” said Sheriff Marcus Harris. “Achieving CALEA accreditation confirms our commitment to 
delivering the highest level of public service while building trust and strengthening relationships 
within our community.”

"The CALEA accreditation the Howard County Sheriff's Office has earned is a monumental milestone 
and is yet another reminder that our officers uphold themselves to the highest standard of 
excellence, integrity, accountability and transparency," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. 
"We are incredibly proud and thankful for our officers who work so hard to keep our community safe, 
all while strengthening their relationship to the community they serve."

The accreditation process included extensive self-assessment, policy development, staff training, 
and an independent review by CALEA assessors. Standards covered areas such as use of force, 
training, evidence handling, emergency operations, community engagement, and organizational 
management.

By earning accreditation, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office joins a select group of law 
enforcement agencies nationwide and a select few Sheriff’s Offices across the State of Maryland 
that have voluntarily met CALEA’s comprehensive standards for excellence.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to agency personnel, community partners, and county 
leadership whose support and collaboration helped make this achievement possible.

For more information about CALEA accreditation, visit Commission on Accreditation for Law 
Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).