Purdue police maintains highest standards with reaccreditation
December 11, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After a months-long process that included multiple phases, the Purdue University Police Department has received reaccreditation from a major law enforcement association.
The Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies – better known in the enforcement community as CALEA – for the third time gave its seal of approval to the Purdue department’s practices and policies. CALEA first accredited Purdue police in 2010, and each accreditation lasts for three years. So, this is the department’s third accreditation.
"CALEA's accreditation requires a rigorous process of self-review and review by independent assessors," Purdue police chief John Cox said. "So, this gives our department a good measuring stick to know that we're up to the highest law enforcement standards and should reassure members of the Purdue community that they are being served by an informed, well-trained police unit."
The reaccreditation process started with a self-assessment that included an internal review of the department’s written policies, practices and processes. CALEA representatives then paid an on-site visit for their own review and took feedback from the community. Finally, Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety; Cox; Capts. Carol Baunach and Eric Chin; and Lt. Matt Wietbrock testified in late November before the commission.
"I want to thank chief Cox and the entire Purdue Police Department for their efforts in measuring up to the highest professional standards," Shelby said. "Once again, members of the Purdue community took the time to support us during the public meeting phase of the process, and I am grateful for the public support."
CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations. The organization has more than 400 standards, some mandatory and some voluntary.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Sources: Carol Shelby, 765-494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu
John Cox, 765-494-8221, jkcox@purdue.edu
