IMPORTANT NEWS...

Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation Seeks Public Comments on the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

August 26, 2009

TALLAHASSEE— On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will assess all functions of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Bureau of Law Enforcement.  The commission will review the bureaus policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.  ABT has to comply with approximately 259 standards in order to receive reaccredited status.

Law enforcement accreditation increases the Bureau of Law Enforcement’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services.  Accreditation enhances community understanding of the department and its role in the community, as well as its goals and objectives.

The accreditation process creates a forum in which law enforcement and citizens can work together to control and prevent crime.  This partnership allows the bureau to receive clear direction from citizens, while sharing the challenges law enforcement officers face.  Together, they can set common goals and objectives and implement improved polices and procedures.  

The assessment team will be comprised of law enforcement practitioners from agencies similar to ABT. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, visit offices and observe agents. When the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to the full commission, which will make a decision based on the assessors’ findings. 

For more information regarding CFA or to offer written comments about the bureau’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817, call 800-558-0218 or visit flaccreditation.org.

The mission of ABT is to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage persons, to ensure that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules regulating the industry in Florida, and to collect taxes and fees related to these industries.

The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

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