Harvey Powers, law enforcement director for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), presented the Grayson County Sheriff's Office with its first state accreditation certificate and described the process as rigorous and voluntary.

"Becoming accredited in Virginia as a law enforcement agency is a long and difficult process. It takes three to five years," Powers said. Assessors review roughly 193 standards and 570 individual bullets for compliance, he said, and accreditation is a voluntary commitment to transparency.

Powers told the board assessors found the Grayson County Sheriff's Office had met or exceeded standards. "Assessors noted that Grayson County Sheriff's Office exceeded all standards and demonstrated exceptional performance in gaining compliance," he said.

Sheriff Vaughn accepted the certificate and credited his staff. "Our policies are up to date. More liability protection, more opportunity for grants. So we're just thankful and blessed, to be able to get this for the very first time for the Grayson County Sheriff's Office," he said.

The presenters noted accreditation joins Grayson County with roughly 113 Virginia agencies that have pursued the voluntary process; no new funding or policy changes were attached to the presentation. The item was presented as a recognition and did not require board action.