Norman, OK – On June 15, 2015 the University of Oklahoma Police Department (OUPD) received notification that they were granted Re-Accreditation from the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation and Professional Standards Program. OUPD was awarded Accreditation in 2012. Agencies maintain accredited status by submitting to a subsequent independent on-site review every three years.
The concept of law enforcement accreditation began in the 1970s. The goal is to instill “professionalism” into every phase of law enforcement service. In July 1996, the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police received a grant to implement a law enforcement accreditation program in Oklahoma. A committee including representatives from municipal, county and state law enforcement, municipal assurance attorneys, and law enforcement bargaining units was formed to review and develop Oklahoma appropriate law enforcement accreditation standards. The standards or best practices are intended to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of law enforcement services. The standards cover all aspects of operations including individual’s rights, use of force, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and other administrative, patrol, and investigative operations.
This voluntary process included an internal agency review followed by a three day on-site critical assessment of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities, and operations by a team of law enforcement professionals from outside the OU Police Department. A comprehensive assessment report was forwarded to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission for review followed by the final review and determination by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board.
“The OU Police Department considers itself to be one of the best in the nation among colleges and universities,” said Chief Liz Woollen. “This process provided for an independent review of the department’s overall operations and should assure the University community that its police department conforms to current professional standards and best practices,” Chief Woollen said.
For additional information and benefits of accreditation, please visit the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police website.
