Commissioner Spencer R. Moore, Department of Driver Services (DDS), announced today that the Agency’s Office of Investigative Services (OIS) has earned State Law Enforcement Certification by the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program headed by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).  It is estimated that approximately 15% of law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia hold this certification.

“I am very proud of our Investigative Services Team for joining the elite group of law enforcement entities that have obtained certification status,” said Commissioner Moore.  “This distinguished program provides a comprehensive blueprint for effective, professional law enforcement.  The achievement also gives our citizens even more confidence in our law enforcement officers.” 

DDS OIS employs a staff of 13 P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officers who focus on the investigations of allegations of driver’s license fraud including crimes relating to identity theft, fraud, forgery and other crimes.  Obtaining state certification ensures the Investigators’ efficiency and effectiveness as they work to ensure the security and integrity of Georgia’s license issuance process.  

The GACP State Certification Program assists law enforcement agencies in assessing and improving their performance.  In order to meet certification status, an agency must conduct a comprehensive and time-consuming process of self-examination of its policies and procedures.  The state of Georgia’s standards, which consists of liability issues and officer safety standards, is compiled and modeled after the national certification standards program.  

The OIS group passed 107 standards covering eight competency areas.  Once the policies and procedures were in place, a team of trained assessors verified that valid standards have been successfully implemented.  The department was also reviewed by a Joint Review Committee at the state level that determined that the agency had met the requirements for certification.  

For complete driver services information including many online services, please visit www.dds.ga.gov.