Law enforcement accreditation systems establishes a uniform set of “Best Practices” for police agencies that are consistently verified and measurable on an international scale. These voluntary programs provide an objective, outside approval earned through diligent internal and external evaluation based on standards set by the accrediting entities. These independent organizations monitor compliance through documented proofs and direct observation. Within the law enforcement standards of Best Practices are compliance requirements dealing with life, health, and safety. Every standard is intended to make an agency more professional while at the same time improving service to the community. Accreditation increases the agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services. It also increases community confidence in the policies and practices of an agency.
The University of Arizona Police Department holds three (3) accreditations:
- The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) - the University of Arizona Police Department achieved its first CALEA Accreditation Award in 1993, when UAPD became one of only five university police departments in the nation to receive National Accreditation, and was the 251st law enforcement agency in the United States and Canada to receive this distinction through the CALEA. Since then, UAPD has remained accredited by completing the re-accreditation process every 3 years, and received its most recent re-accreditation in April 2022.
- The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) - UAPD received accreditation through IACLEA in 2013, becoming the first Arizona University to receive IACLEA accreditation. IACLEA accreditation contains standards that are specific to campus law enforcement. UAPD received its most recent IACLEA re-accreditation in October 2018.
- The Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) – UAPD become one of the first three agencies to achieve ALEAP accreditation on September 19, 2019. ALEAP accreditation addresses issues directly related to Arizona law enforcement.
Accreditation requires UAPD to commit to ongoing self-study, external reviews, and the continuous pursuit of enhancements designed to raise the quality and professionalism of the department.
We are extremely proud of our accreditation status and find that is has a number of benefits.
Accreditation:
- Ensures the operational readiness of the University of Arizona Police Department.
- Ensures that the department’s policies and procedures are consistent with modern professional policing standards.
- Promotes a strong emphasis on officer safety.
- Provides an ongoing, independent evaluation of the department.
- Provides each member of the department with a sense of pride knowing that their agency has met such high, professional standards.
Accreditation Public Comment Portal
