December 9, 2002

A team of assessors from CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.) will arrive December 14, to examine all aspects of the University of Connecticut Police Department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief Robert S. Hudd announced today.

Verification by the assessment team that the University of Connecticut Police Department has met the commission's state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain international re-accreditation - a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, he said. The University of Connecticut received initial accreditation in March 2000.

As part of the on-site assessment for re-accreditation, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on December 16, at 7 p.m., in the Lewis B. Rome Ballroom in South Campus.

Individuals unable to attend the public information session may provide comments by telephone on December 15, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 860-486-5138 or 5197. Telephone comments will also be received by assessment team members.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available upon request at the Police Department.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the University of Connecticut Police Department's ability to meet the CALEA standards for re-accreditation are requested to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), 10306 Eaton Place, Suite 320, Fairfax, VA 22030-2201 or call 703-352-4225 or 1-800-368-3757.

The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from throughout the United States. The assessors review written materials, interview employees and observe operations. Upon completion of the assessors' review, a written report is submitted to the CALEA Commission. The CALEA Commissioners will review the assessors' report and determine if the agency is to be awarded re-accreditation status, Chief Hudd stated.