The Hall County Sheriff's Office is seeking accreditation, and officials are asking residents for help.

As part of the recognition of law enforcement excellence, assessors will hold a public information session on Dec. 6 to hear comments.

"National Accreditation strengthens our agency's accountability, both within the agency and the community," sheriff's office spokesman Col. Jeff Strickland said. "This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to our personnel."

The team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will arrive Dec. 4 to examine all aspects of Hall County Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. The team includes law enforcement officers from similar but out-of-state agencies who will review written documents, conduct interviews and watch officers in action.

Accreditation is for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. Once the team completes its review, it reports to the full commission, which decides if Hall County will be accredited.

"Accreditation serves as our report card to the citizens we serve that we are performing our duties based on nationally accepted standards," Strickland said.

Residents who are unable to attend can also call on Dec. 6 to leave comments. Agency employees and community members must limit comments to 10 minutes and address the agency's ability to comply with the 463 standards related to management, organization, operations and personnel.

A copy of the standards is available at the Hall County Sheriff's Office with accreditation manager Lt. Tammy Crawford.