University police accreditation assessment team to visit campus

March 20, 2009 -- A team of assessors from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) will visit the Arkansas State University campus Saturday, March 28, to examine all aspects of the campus police department’s policies and procedures, management, operation, and support services, according to ASU police chief Jim Chapman.

Verification by the assessment team that ASU’s University Police Department meets IACLEA’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation or recognition of public safety professional excellence. Agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments by calling (870) 972-2114 on Sunday, March 29, between 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Assessment team members will be available to take comments.

Telephone comments must address the department’s ability to comply with IACLEA standards. A copy of the standards is available at the University Police Department’s main office as well as the UPD communications center in the Student Union from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To view the standards, contact accreditation manager Corporal Amber Richbourg at (870) 972-2093. Written comments may be submitted directly to IACLEA, 342 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06117-2507.

“University police must comply with 231 standards in order to achieve accredited status,” said Chief Chapman. “Accreditation assures that ASU-Jonesboro’s police services, both offered and performed, meet or exceed a nationally accepted set of standards.”

The assessment team is composed of experienced campus law enforcement professionals from states other than Arkansas. The group will review written materials, interview individuals and inspect facilities to ensure compliance. Assessors include team leader Dr. Thomas C. Johnson, police chief at Western Carolina University; Lieutenant John K. Jacobs, University of Richmond police department; and Captain Andrew F. Cannady (Retired), Greensboro, N.C. police department.

Accreditation is for three years, during which time the department must submit annual reports confirming continued compliance with set standards. Corporal Richbourg noted that a complete review of ASU’s department by the assessors will be submitted to IACLEA which will decide accreditation status.             

###