UConn police department earns re-accreditation

The University’s Police Department has been re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA).

The reaccreditation, effective for the maximum period of three years, was granted after the department demonstrated during a site assessment that it meets the “requirements of the highly regarded and broadly recognized body of law enforcement standards,” according to Louis Dekmar, chair, and Sylvester Daughtry Jr. executive director of CALEA.

In a report that followed a rigorous self-assessment, public comments, and a site visit from a team of enforcement professionals from across the country, the commission said its decision to re-accredit the department was unanimous.

“The assessors believe the UConn Police Department is an excellent law enforcement agency that is well-equipped and well-trained to perform its function of protecting the safety of the students and faculty at the University of Connecticut,” the report said.

The assessors “were struck by the professionalism and responsiveness of the agency’s personnel,” the report continued.

“The agency also has first-class equipment and facilities that are meticulously maintained. The UConn Police Department has an excellent relationship with surrounding law enforcement agencies, and exhibits its commitment to re-accreditation by working closely with the other members of the local accreditation coalition.”

Robert S. Hudd, associate vice president for public and environmental safety and chief of police, notes that the UConn Police Department has been accredited since 2000.

This is the third reaccreditation attained by the department since then. Only 15 other police departments in the State of Connecticut, and less than 30 percent nationally, have achieved accreditation through CALEA, a voluntary process.

Adds Hudd, “We are gratified that our commitment to the highest standards was evident to the assessors.”