NSA ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM

Evaluation and Approval Process: Products and services submitted to the NSA endorsement program undergo a thorough review and evaluation process to assess their effectiveness and durability in the context of law enforcement. The NSA considers how well these offerings meet the specific needs of sheriffs’ offices and other law enforcement agencies as well as reviewing the applicant organization itself.

Trusted Seal of Approval: Once a product or service passes the NSA's evaluation, it earns the NSA endorsement—a now recognized mark of quality within the law enforcement community. This endorsement is a testament to the product’s value and its alignment with law enforcement standards.

Why Should I Seek an Endorsement from NSA?

A company should seek a product endorsement from the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) for several compelling reasons:

Credibility and Trust: An endorsement from the NSA gives a product a powerful seal of credibility and trust within the law enforcement community and among the public. The NSA is a well-respected organization, and its endorsement suggests that a product meets high standards in quality and functionality.

Direct Access to Key Decision-Makers: With an NSA endorsement, companies gain a direct line to sheriffs and law enforcement professionals nationwide. This endorsement helps companies effectively reach decision-makers responsible for purchasing equipment and products for their departments.

Increased Visibility: NSA endorsement provides valuable exposure in NSA events, publications, and online platforms, helping endorsed products stand out in a highly competitive market. This added visibility can lead to greater recognition and trust among law enforcement agencies across the country.

Enhanced Reputation: Endorsed products are seen as aligned with the mission of law enforcement agencies. This alignment boosts a company’s reputation and demonstrates its commitment to supporting law enforcement's vital work.

Competitive Advantage: Companies with NSA endorsements differentiate themselves from competitors, making their products more attractive to law enforcement agencies. The endorsement acts as a strong, trusted recommendation in a field where reliability and proven performance are essential.

Potential for Broader Adoption: The endorsement can lead to more widespread adoption among local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. This can open doors for larger contracts and partnerships that benefit both the company and the communities that rely on effective law enforcement tools.

An NSA endorsement can be a game-changer, adding substantial value to a company’s products by aligning with an association trusted by law enforcement professionals across the nation.

If a company has a product endorsed by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), they can expect several key deliverables that enhance their credibility, visibility, and market reach.

1. Official Endorsement Seal

• The company can display the National Sheriffs’ Association Endorsement Seal on their product packaging, website, and marketing materials.
• This seal signifies that the product has gone through rigorous review and evaluation and the product works as advertised.

2. Email Announcement 

• An email well be sent to all NSA members announcing your product endorsement.
• The announcement email ensures that your product gains direct exposure to NSA members, increasing visibility among law enforcement decision-makers who may be interested in purchasing or recommending your endorsed product.

3. Website & Social Media Exposure

• The product will be listed on the NSA website as an officially endorsed product.
• The Endorsement Program will periodically be promoted via NSA’s social media, eNewsletters, marketing emails, Sheriff & Deputy Magazine, and more, reaching thousands of law enforcement professionals. It will direct members to the full list of endorsed products.

4. Access to Law Enforcement Networks

• The endorsement provides credibility among sheriffs, deputies, and law enforcement agencies, potentially leading to direct referrals and increased sales.
• Promotion of the program to membership will direct members to the full list of endorsed products.

5. Acknowledgement at NSA Conferences

• Companies with an endorsed product will receive a sticker at NSA conferences (if applicable) to place in front of their exhibit space stating, “I have an NSA Endorsed Product!”
• Promotion of the program at conferences will direct attendees to the full list of endorsed products.

1. Submit Product Application: NSA requires a detailed application of information about the product or service you’re seeking endorsement for. This information often includes technical specifications, company information, clients, and any testing data that demonstrates the product’s reliability and suitability for law enforcement. All submitted information will be kept confidential within the Endorsement Committee.
2. Pay Application Fees: The endorsement process involves a $1,500 non-refundable application fee to cover the costs of evaluation. This fee does not guarantee an endorsement.  
3. Evaluation and Testing Process: Once the application is submitted, the NSA may conduct a rigorous evaluation of the product. This can involve both internal assessments and field testing by law enforcement professionals to ensure the product meets the NSA's high standards for quality, durability, and effectiveness in real-world law enforcement settings. This will also involve reaching out to current clients. This may take up to 4-6 weeks. 
4. Provide Additional Documentation and Compliance: During the evaluation, you may be asked to provide additional documents, certifications, or compliance information, especially if the product must meet specific safety or industry standards. 
5. Approval/Denial of Endorsement: If the product successfully meets the NSA’s standards, the NSA will grant the endorsement. If it does not, you will be notified. 
6. Pay Endorsement Fees: Each endorsement lasts a period of 3 years. You will be invoiced each year of the endorsement.  The first year of payment is due at the time of endorsement. See pricing for details. 
7. Onboarding: Your company will then receive the NSA's official endorsement, which can be used in marketing materials, packaging, and promotional activities to signify the product’s quality and reliability. 
8. Ongoing Relationship and Re-evaluation: Some products may need periodic re-evaluation to retain the NSA endorsement. Staying in touch with the NSA can help your company maintain endorsement status and adapt to any new standards or expectations in law enforcement.

While specific details of the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) product endorsement fee structure are proprietary and may vary based on individual agreements, a typical framework for a three-year endorsement will include the following components:

1. Initial Application Fee: A one-time non-refundable application fee of $1,500 to cover the costs associated with the NSA's comprehensive assessment of the product. This evaluation ensures the product meets the NSA's stringent standards for quality and suitability in law enforcement applications.
2. Endorsement Fee: Each endorsement lasts a period of 3 years. You will be invoiced each year of the endorsement.  The first year of payment is due at the time of endorsement. Your endorsement fee is based on your company’s revenue. This ensures an endorsement is accessible for companies of all sizes. Please see pricing chart below.
3. Renewal Fee: If the company wishes to extend the endorsement beyond the initial three-year period, the product must be re-submitted for review and would incur an additional application fee. This fee covers the administrative and evaluation processes necessary to maintain the endorsement status.

It's important to note that the exact amounts and terms can vary based on factors such as the nature of the product and any additional services or benefits provided by the NSA. For precise information, it's advisable to contact the NSA directly to discuss the specific product and obtain detailed fee structures tailored to your situation.

Please contact Lindsay Hopkins at lhopkins@sheriffs.org