UAPD reevaluated for accreditation

The University of Alabama Police Department was assessed Sept. 8 through 12 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.

A team of assessors examined UAPD's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, according to an e-mail from officer Andy Liles.

The assessment team was composed of law enforcement workers from agencies around the United States. They reviewed written materials, interviewed individuals, heard public testimony and visited offices and other places where compliance could be seen, Liles said.

UAPD officials said the accreditation by CALEA is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. By maintaining accreditation in the past, UAPD has demonstrated to the University its commitment to providing professional services that meet the highest standards, Liles said.

Liles said the purpose of CALEA's accreditation program is to improve the delivery of law enforcement services by maintaining certain standards covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives, establishing and administering an accreditation process and recognizing professional excellence.

Liles said UAPD was found to be in compliance with 341 CALEA standards during the on-site assessment. The assessment team leader will submit a report of the agency's performance to the entire CALEA commission, which will decide later if UAPD will be awarded accreditation again.

UAPD's assessment report will be reviewed by the CALEA commission in Atlanta at the CALEA conference in March 2008, Liles said.

Accreditation lasts for a three-year period, and if UAPD is awarded this recognition, Liles said they must send annual reports proving continued compliance with the original standards.

This was UAPD's third re-accreditation assessment, and UAPD has been CALEA accredited since 1998. Liles said UAPD is one of only five CALEA-accredited law enforcement agencies in Alabama and one of 41 CALEA-accredited university law enforcement agencies in the United States.