UB Police Honored for Completing Prestigious Accreditation Program

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Police Department was honored for completing New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Accreditation Program at a ceremony held Feb. 29 on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

A certificate of accomplishment was presented by Commissioner Denise E. O'Donnell, DCSJ, who heads the division and is assistant secretary to the governor for criminal justice, to Gerald W. Schoenle, Jr., UB chief of police; Lt. Chris Bartolomei, UB accreditation manager, and the UB Police Department.

The UB Police Department is the first State University of New York police department to receive DCJS accreditation, which recognizes professionalism in law enforcement by establishing standards of performance.

"I am immensely proud of the pivotal role that the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services plays in training and educating law enforcement officers, and equally proud that UB, where I obtained my law degree, is such a pioneer," Commissioner O'Donnell said. "It is only fitting that Governor Spitzer's flagship university should be served by a flagship police department."

"Today's police professionals -- and that's what these officers at UB are, 'professionals' -- must be people of all seasons, prepared to meet any and every challenge. UB recognizes the importance of maintaining a cutting-edge police department, and I salute the university for holding itself to the highest standards of excellence. I would like to convey to the entire UB community my respect and congratulations on reaching this milestone."

Schoenle said he was extremely proud of the members of the UB Police Department "for working so hard to achieve this high standard."

"Going through the accreditation process has made us a better police department and supports our mission to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the students, visitors, faculty and staff to live, learn, work and play," he said. "In these changing times it is imperative that police agencies do everything they can to respond to the safety concerns of our communities. The accreditation process is a great way for agencies to improve their operations by adhering to known best practices."

Dennis R. Black, UB vice president for student affairs, said the accreditation is an example of the UB Police Department's commitment to excellence."

"A campus community has unique challenges," Black added. "UB's police force is well-prepared to address these challenges and is well respected for their excellence. Seeking this accreditation allowed us to measure our law enforcement processes against what works best across the industry and to adjust our practices, if necessary, to prepare for both day-to-day safety issues as well as an unforeseen crisis. We are so proud of our University Police for achieving this accreditation."

The DCJS accreditation program is designed to help police agencies evaluate and improve their overall performance, and provides formal recognition that the organization meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. Among all New York State police agencies 123 police departments and sheriffs' offices have successfully completed the process. This represents only 20 percent of all New York State police agencies.

It aims to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of New York State law enforcement agencies by utilizing existing personnel, equipment and facilities; promoting increased cooperation and coordination among law-enforcement and criminal-justice agencies; ensuring appropriate training of personnel, and adopting best-practices policies and procedures that meet these mandatory standards.

Agencies participating in the accreditation program must meet or exceed 130 standards in administration, training and operations.

Accreditation is awarded following an on-site assessment by an independent team of assessors. The DCJS committee that awards accreditation to agencies includes representatives of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York State Sheriffs' Association, the New York State Police Superintendent, New York City Police Commissioner, an official of a statewide police labor organization, an incumbent police officer, a deputy sheriff and a college criminal-justice professor. Other members represent the Association of Counties, Association of Towns, Conference of Mayors and state Senate and Assembly.

Benefits of completing the program include identifying and correcting procedural deficiencies, developing proactive management systems, reducing the likelihood of liability litigation and securing community, local and state government support. Agencies that are not self-insured report receiving a significant reduction in their insurance premiums when they are designated an accredited agency.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.