The University of Pennsylvania Police Department will soon be judged on whether it deserves to retain its prestigious status as an accredited law enforcement agency.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies was established in 1979 to set high standards for American police departments. Applications are entirely voluntary, and receiving accreditation is regarded as a sign of excellence in the operation and service of a department.
"The standards tell you how you perform a function," said Lt. Gary Heller, the UPPD accreditation manager. "The real benefit is [that] we become more professional" in striving to meet over 400 guidelines.
The UPPD applied for and was granted this distinction in 2001. Starting Saturday, it will undergo its first review to determine if it will retain its status.
"Three assessors from police departments across the country" will be examining the UPPD, Heller said. He added that they will compile a report that the CALEA board will read before deciding if the department will be reaccredited.
The UPPD is one of nearly 50 accredited campus police departments in the nation, and the only campus police force accredited in Pennsylvania. Police officials view this mark of merit as a source of pride for themselves and of comfort to the Penn population.
"We wanted our community to know that they are being served by the highest degree of professionalism," Heller said. Obtaining and retaining "accreditation status is one way we can do that."
Assessors will be conducting extensive examinations of police documents and facilities, riding along on patrols and interviewing officers to ensure that CALEA criteria are being met. They will judge factors such as the quality of training, police pursuits and the use of force.
Additionally, a public forum will be held on Monday at 7 p.m. at police headquarters. Anyone may come and voice his or her opinions and concerns to the police, and assessors will be paying close attention.
Since the last accreditation process, only one other forum has been held in which the general public was able to speak with members of the Police Department.
According to Heller, around 20 to 25 people attended the discussion three years ago, and he hopes even more will come on Monday.
"The majority of comments [in 2001] were very positive," Heller said. "I want to encourage members of the community to come out ... . We've already gotten a few letters from parents saying they're impressed by the professionalism of the agency."
Heller and the whole of the Police Department have been working to improve since first being accredited. He feels fairly confident of the department's chances with the review board.
"We have worked hard to be in the best position we can be," Heller said.
