ASU Police Department seeks to retain accreditation

by George Jared ([email protected]) 433 views 

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., will examine all aspects of the Arkansas State University Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations and support services beginning March 21, the school announced Thursday (March 17).

“Verification by the team that the A-State Police Department meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to remain accredited,” said Chief Randy Martin. “Accreditation is a highly-prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.”

The University Police Department (UPD) has to comply with 161 standards in order to gain accredited status, Martin said. Accreditation is for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

As part of the assessment, members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session by calling (870) 972-2228 on March 21. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team.

Members of the community can also provide comments during a public hearing via Zoom. Registration will be required for the Zoom meetings. To register, email Capt. Jarrod Long at [email protected].