The Data Behind Accreditation: A Thought Leader Conversation with Dr. Gordon Abner
In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, host Kevin Rhea, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL), sits down with Dr. Gordon Abner, Assistant Professor of Public Management at the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs — one of the few scholars deeply researching the real-world impacts of accreditation in public safety.
From public trust to organizational change, Dr. Abner’s work bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering evidence-based insights for law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, corrections, and communications. Together, they unpack:
Why public support for accreditation is stronger than many think
How CALEA accreditation influences community policing, gender diversity, and institutional learning
Whether accreditation limits local control or strengthens community voice
Practical lessons accreditation managers can apply today to build legitimacy and trust
If you’ve ever needed data to back up the value of accreditation — or wanted to understand its deeper social and organizational impact — this conversation will equip you with research-driven takeaways and a renewed vision for continuous improvement.
