August 4, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Police Department has won a three-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

CALEA is an international law enforcement accreditation program that sets the standards for police departments across the United States and Canada. Almost 760 law enforcement agencies nationwide are accredited by CALEA. UAB is one of only six police departments in Alabama accredited by CALEA and one of 46 campus police departments nationwide accredited by the organization.

The UAB Police Department underwent a rigorous examination process in which examiners observed all areas of police policies and procedures, including police patrol, investigations and recruitment. Every three years, UAB must undergo a reexamination process to earn reaccreditation. The UAB Police Department has been accredited by CALEA since 1995.

"Being accredited by CALEA places us in an elite class," says UAB Police Chief Anthony Purcell. "It is an honor to say that we meet the highest standards and the best practices under CALEA and that we are a part of this group."