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2026 National Accreditation Conference

September 28 - 30, 2026

Columbus, Ohio

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We Are Reimagining Accreditation! 

Reimagining Accreditation means stepping beyond the traditional, compliance-focused view of accreditation and seeing it as a dynamic, people-centered profession that drives leadership, culture, and trust. It’s about shifting the conversation from checklists and plaques to people, impact, and innovation.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

From Agency-Centered to People-Centered

Traditionally, accreditation is viewed as an agency achievement—the spotlight is on the organization when the plaque goes on the wall. Reimagining accreditation means shifting focus to the professionals and assessors who make the process happen. It’s about recognizing their expertise, contributions, and leadership as a legitimate profession.

From Compliance to Culture

Too often, accreditation is seen as a burden of proving compliance. Reimagining it means using accreditation as a leadership tool that helps build strong organizational cultures rooted in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

From Task to Profession

In many agencies, accreditation is “other duties as assigned.” Reimagining accreditation elevates the role into a career path—with training, professional development, mentorship, and recognition. This transforms accreditation into a respected discipline with standards of practice and a body of knowledge.

From Silos to Community

Reimagining accreditation means breaking down silos between disciplines—law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, communications, and emergency management—and creating a shared professional community where best practices, lessons learned, and innovations can be exchanged.

From Past-Focused to Future-Driven

Traditionally, accreditation has looked backward—documenting what was done. Reimagined accreditation looks forward, asking: How can we use accreditation to shape better leadership, improve service delivery, and strengthen community trust?


Advancing Excellence in Public Safety Accreditation

The National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL) is the premier professional organization dedicated to public safety accreditation professionals, helping agencies achieve and maintain accreditation excellence. Whether you're a law enforcement accreditation manager, fire services leader, emergency management director, or compliance officer, NAAL provides the resources, training, and industry network to help you elevate standards, ensure compliance, and improve public safety operations.

OUR ROLE IN THE ACCREDITATION COMMUNITY


At NAAL, we want to be clear: we are not here to compete with, replace, or replicate the work of any accrediting body or PAC. We recognize and deeply respect the critical role that Programs and PACs play in shaping the accreditation landscape—providing standards guidance and assessment support to Accreditation Managers on program specific standards. Their contributions are foundational, and their role in the accreditation ecosystem is irreplaceable.

NAAL is discipline-agnostic by design. We hold no authority over standards, assessments, or agency compliance. Our mission is different—but complementary. We exist to champion the people behind the programs: the professionals who lead, sustain, and advance excellence in public service through accreditation. This is your space to connect, grow, and lead with purpose.



NAAL champions the people behind accreditation.

We don’t set standards or assess compliance. We are an independent organization and not affiliated with any specific accreditation program or PAC.

We support the professionals who do. Whether you're shaping policy, managing compliance, or leading an agency, NAAL is your professional home. If you're involved in accreditation at any level, this is your call to connect, grow, and lead alongside peers who share your commitment to excellence.

          Accreditation Professionals Accreditation Managers / Coordinators, Accreditation Analysts / Specialists, Quality Assurance Coordinators

          Agency Leadership Chiefs of Police, Fire Chiefs, Sheriffs, Emergency Management Directors, Public Safety Directors, Wardens, and other Leaders

          Command & Supervisory Staff Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants, Division and Unit Commanders, Internal Affairs / Professional Standards Supervisors

          Professional and Support Staff Records Managers, Policy and Compliance Officers, Training Coordinators, Emergency Services Administrators

          Assessors and Program Evaluators Peer Assessors (State or National Programs), Accreditation Team Members, Program Auditors and Assessors

          Consultants and Educators Public Safety Accreditation Consultants, Criminal Justice & Public Administration Faculty, Organizational Development Specialists


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Download our FREE  eBook! 

 

Join NAAL today—where accreditation becomes leadership, and leadership drives change. Step into a national community of changemakers transforming public safety through excellence, integrity, and innovation.

Why Join NAAL:

  • Professional Growth: Access exclusive leadership and accreditation training across all six public safety disciplines.

  • Community Connection: Network with peers who share your commitment to continuous improvement and professional standards.


  • Practical Resources: Get tools, templates, and real-world guidance to strengthen your agency’s accreditation program.


  • National Recognition: Be part of the movement redefining accreditation as a platform for leadership and trust.


  • Voice and Impact: Help shape the future of accreditation through collaborative initiates and shared best practices.

Join NAAL today and become a leader in public safety accreditation.


  Join Now


Publicatio

30 States and Growing!



Beyond the Checklist Podcast



Upcoming events

    • 24 Feb 2026
    • 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    The NAAL Monthly Town Hall is a member-focused forum designed to inform, connect, and engage accreditation professionals across all six public safety disciplines. Each session provides timely updates, shared learning, and open conversation around accreditation trends, leadership challenges, and the evolving role of standards—creating space for dialogue, connection, and collective insight beyond the checklist.

    NAAL Monthly Town Hall

    Tuesday, January 27 · 3:00 – 3:30pm EST

    Google Meet joining info

    Video call link: https://meet.google.com/brs-qqum-rfu

    Or dial: ‪(US) +1 262-885-7166‬ PIN: ‪273 857 170‬#

    More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/brs-qqum-rfu?pin=9481893765128


    • 26 Feb 2026
    • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    The Quiet Strength of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
    With Chad Connelly, Peak Leadership Consulting


    In today’s complex professional environments, true leadership isn’t defined by volume or authority — it’s defined by insight, presence, and connection. In this transformative session, leadership expert Chad Connelly explores how emotionally intelligent leadership empowers accreditation managers and assessors to navigate challenges with calm confidence, build trust across teams, and lead with purpose.

    You’ll walk away with practical strategies to deepen self-awareness, manage stress under pressure, and communicate in ways that foster collaboration rather than conflict. This class isn’t about flashy techniques — it’s about building enduring leadership strength that others want to follow.

    Join us to discover how the quiet power of emotional intelligence can elevate your influence, strengthen workplace relationships, and drive meaningful impact in your organization.

    The Quiet Strength of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership

    Thursday, February 26 · 3:00 – 4:00pm EST

    Google Meet joining info

    Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wsx-bcux-cmw

    Or dial: ‪(US) +1 347-486-7507‬ PIN: ‪701 505 673‬#

    More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/wsx-bcux-cmw?pin=4001994895236



    • 28 Sep 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 30 Sep 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Renaissance Columbus-Westerville, Columbus Ohio
    Register


    September 28 - 30, 2026

    Renaissance Columbus-Westerville Hotel - Columbus, Ohio 

    Conference Description

    The National Accreditation Conference is the first national forum dedicated exclusively to accreditation leadership across public safety. Hosted by the National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL), this inaugural event brings together accreditation managers, assessors, executives, and subject-matter experts from law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, communications, and emergency management.

    Designed as a professional working conference, the National Accreditation Conference focuses on the strategic role accreditation plays in organizational excellence, accountability, risk reduction, and public trust. Attendees will engage in meaningful dialogue, cross-discipline learning, and leadership-level discussions that move accreditation beyond compliance and into its role as a catalyst for continuous improvement.

    Through keynote sessions, facilitated discussions, and practical workshops, the conference provides a national platform for sharing best practices, addressing common challenges, and shaping the future of accreditation leadership. Whether you manage accreditation daily, serve as an assessor, or oversee accredited agencies, this conference is built to strengthen professional identity, expand perspective, and foster lasting connections across the public safety community.

    Designed by and for accreditation managers, assessors, and public safety leaders, the conference offers more than 80 hours of training and over 50 breakout sessions organized by discipline. The program reflects the real demands of accreditation work—balancing standards, documentation, assessments, and organizational expectations—without losing sight of the practical realities accreditation professionals face every day.

    Conference Agenda Coming Soon!


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