Campus Safety Receives Reaccreditation
The University of Denver is proud to announce that the Division of Campus Safety has been reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) under their Campus Security Program. CALEA was established in 1979 as an independent accrediting authority by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and Police Executives Research Forum.
The process of CALEA Accreditation begins with a rigorous self-assessment, requiring a review of policies, practices and processes against internationally accepted public safety standards. This is followed with an assessment by independent assessors with significant public safety experience. Additionally, public feedback is received to promote community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with select agency personnel and others with knowledge to assess the agency’s effectiveness and overall service delivery capacities.
As part of the reaccreditation process, CALEA assessors conduct an annual audit of the Division’s policies and procedures on a four cycle. In March 2020, CALEA assessors visited Campus Safety for a three-day on-site assessment to examine the Division’s administration and operations management, Communications Center and support services related to CALEA’s Campus Security Accreditation Program. The CALEA assessors evaluated Campus Safety on its compliance with 265 internationally accepted standards related to campus security and safety. This voluntary process to retain accreditation status is a highly prized recognition of professional excellence and compliance with best industry practices. The decision to accredit is rendered by a governing body of 21 Commissioners following a public hearing and a review of all reporting documentation.
The Division of Campus Safety received its initial CALEA accreditation in 2015 as the very first agency to be accredited under CALEA’s newly formed Campus Security Program. This is the first reaccreditation for the Division of Campus Safety. The Division received its formal reaccreditation at a ceremony on Thursday, July 30, 2020 during CALEA’s summer virtual conference.