In January 2025, the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) launched the Accreditation Intervention Team (AIT) with funding provided through a federal grant. This initiative was created to support small, rural, and tribal agencies that found themselves struggling to keep pace with the demands of accreditation.
Experience had shown us that when agencies fall far behind they are at risk of becoming overwhelmed and even dropping out of the program. The AIT was designed as a confidential support system — a small group of experienced Accreditation Managers who step in quietly to provide one-on-one mentoring, hands-on guidance, and tailored solutions.
Although many have heard the term Accreditation Intervention Team, ALEAP has not published direct details about the program until now. This was intentional: the AIT was never intended to be advertised as a private assistance program or a crutch for agencies. Instead, it has served as a discreet, last-resort option for agencies that required more intensive support than could be provided through other methods such as CAPA’s mentorship program.
Over the past 10 months, the AIT has been instrumental in ensuring the successful accreditation and reaccreditation of several agencies. By closing gaps, correcting missteps, and keeping agencies on track, the AIT has:
- Delivered discreet, behind-the-scenes assistance to agencies that needed extra support.
- Helped agencies correctly interpret standards and build strong compliance files.
- Prevented delays, errors, and misunderstandings that could have derailed accreditation.
- Strengthened statewide consistency in accreditation practices and documentation.
All AIT activities have been carefully documented to ensure compliance with our federal grant guidelines. This accountability has not only protected the integrity of the program but also demonstrated to the Department of Justice that Arizona is maximizing every opportunity to help agencies succeed.
As a grant-funded initiative, the AIT will conclude on December 31, 2025. While temporary, its impact will continue: the lessons learned, the strengthened processes, and the higher success rates achieved by participating agencies will remain part of ALEAP’s foundation.
We are proud of the AIT’s success and grateful to the dedicated team members and partner agencies who contributed to this effort. Their work ensured that no agency was left behind and that accreditation in Arizona continues to thrive.