Abstract
This research quantitatively examined the relationship between police agency accreditation and community policing in Washington State. Specifically, it compares the opinions (receptiveness to COP) of CEOs, staff officers/middle managers, first line supervisors, and line officers in accredited agencies with those of like officers in non-accredited agencies. The study hypothesized that accreditation (through organizational influences) leads to greater employee receptivity to a department's policies and procedures, specifically those associated with COP. Data were collected through a statewide survey of 202 Washington law enforcement agencies. Four officers from each agency (divided by rank) were invited to participate, 530 responded. Analysis considered seven control variables: the respondent's rank, age, veteran status, education, work experience, and accreditation status. Analysis also employed one index variable, constructed from 14 questions related to COP. The authors found that line officers in accredited agencies are significantly more receptive to the philosophy and strategies of COP when compared to line officers in non-accredited agencies. All other rank groups share similar (generally positive) opinions of COP. The authors also found that acceptance of the philosophies and strategies of COP (whether in accredited or non-accredited agencies) is universally predictable based on one's rank -higher rank = higher receptiveness to COP. Policy implications are also discussed.

Terry E. Gingerich
Western Oregon University
Terry E. Gingerich is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University. Prior to entering academia he served 25 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, retiring in 1996 as a sergeant. He is the coauthor of Law Enforcement in the United States (2005). He is an executive board member of the Western Community Policing Institute and a member of the Police Administration Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. His research interests include police history, ethics, criminal justice policy, and comparative policing. E-mail: gingert@wou.edu.

Gregory D. Russell
Arkansas State University
Dr. Greg D. Russell is the Director of Criminology at Arkansas State University. He is the author of two books, the Death Penalty and Racial Bias (1994) and with coauthors Law Enforcement in the United States (2000, 2005). He has also published in numerous academic journals, such as Police Quarterly, Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, and Journal of Crime and Justice, and the American Journal of Criminal Justice. His research interests include policing, the courts, and criminal justice policy.