BCSO awarded state re-accreditation
February 5, 2026
Nashville, TN – Sheriff James Lee Berrong is happy to announce the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program has granted accreditation status to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. This is the 5th TLEA award for the agency. The BCSO was awarded this achievement during the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) meeting held in Nashville on February 4.
To achieve accreditation with TLEA, an agency voluntarily submits to a three-year process of enhancing the agency’s professionalism and effectiveness utilizing 164 law enforcement standards and participating in a thorough on-site assessment. The standards are used to evaluate an agency’s policies which address a variety of areas including organizational, operational, and budget management practices. The program is intended to encourage cooperation, recognize professional standing, develop professional services, and ensure public safety throughout the State of Tennessee. The TLEA program is a valuable and cost-effective way to enhance overall agency effectiveness and professionalism.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office successfully accomplished TLEA accreditation by meeting criteria that measured the level of professionalism, organization, and overall readiness in law enforcement policy and procedures. “The standard of excellence that is met through this process is to be admired. We are proud to recognize the hard work of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, its staff, and community leaders,” stated TACP President Don White.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office was the first agency to be awarded state accreditation in 2012.
“The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is devoted to providing professional services to every person who lives and visits Blount County,” Sheriff Berrong said. “We are proud of this re-accreditation and the hard work that this award represents, and we will continue to maintain and uphold these high standards.”
The TLEA program was created under the direction and authority of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police which supports and endorses the continued improvement of law enforcement and emergency communications operations. This program provides a framework for Tennessee law enforcement agencies to have equal access to effective and comprehensive policies that enhance the professionalism of law enforcement and the safety of our communities.
The TLEA Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement and acknowledges the successful implementation of written directives, policies, and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. It takes commitment, dedication, and hard work from the agency head, agency personnel, and community leaders to meet the standards prescribed by the program.