The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Department of Inspector General is scheduled for the final inspection in its third reaccreditation by the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, CFA assessors will examine the department’s procedures for conducting and documenting investigations, maintaining security and confidentiality of records, and reporting results.
The Clerk’s Department of Inspector General (IG) must comply with 49 standards to receive reaccreditation.
“Since 2015, the Department of Inspector General has been working hard to prevent fraud, waste, and misuse of county resources and guardianship assets,” said Clerk & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield. “This initiative builds trust within the community and ensures that the county government is transparent and honest. This is part of a larger plan to increase accountability, and the department's continued accreditation strengthens the community’s trust in the government.”
During the inspection process, both agency members and the public are welcome to provide feedback to the assessment team. A copy of the standards is available on the Commission's website at www.flaccreditation.org.
Comments can also be submitted in writing to the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL, 32302, or emailed to flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us. The on-site assessment is performed by a team of experienced investigators from other similar agencies.
After completing the assessment, the team will report back to the Commission for a decision on the agency's eligibility for reaccreditation. The accreditation will remain valid for three years.
Out of the 67 county clerks in Florida, the Polk County Clerk Inspector General was the third to receive accreditation. Currently, there are five Clerk Inspector General offices accredited in the State of Florida.
The department is led by Inspector General Lita McHugh, who oversees and monitors the accreditation process from start to finish.
“While this is our fourth time undergoing this process, it does not get easier,” said Inspector General McHugh. “We work hard to maintain our high standards and ensure that we provide exceptional service to our community. Our reaccreditation processes are thorough and rigorous, but we believe that they are necessary to ensure that we continue to deliver professional excellence. Receiving this accreditation is a great honor and we are proud to have our hard work recognized.”