UConn Advance - December 5, 2005 - Police department up for re-accreditation, input sought

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) will arrive on campus on Dec. 10 to examine all aspects of the University Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Verification by the assessment team that the Police Department has met the commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain international accreditation – a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, says Chief Robert S. Hudd.

The University received initial accreditation in March 2000 and was re-accredited in March 2003.

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 Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Lewis B. Rome Ballroom at South Campus.

Individuals unable to attend the public information session may provide comments by telephone on Dec. 11, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., by calling 860-486-5183 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 the CALEA standards.

A copy of the standards is available at the Police Department upon request.

Those who wish to offer written comments about the Police Department’s ability to meet the CALEA standards for re-accreditation are asked to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030-2215, for the attention of Ted LeMay, or call CALEA at 800-368-3757.

The assessment team comprises law enforcement practitioners from throughout the United States.

The assessors review written materials, interview employees, and observe operations. Upon completion of the review, a written report is submitted to the CALEA.

CALEA commissioners will review the assessors’ report and determine if the agency is to be awarded re-accreditation.