March 25, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB Police Department has become the first university police force in Alabama to win accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA).

IACLEA is an accrediting agency that advances public safety for colleges and universities through education, advocacy and professional development. IACLEA accreditation signifies that a campus police department conforms to the highest professional standards for campus law enforcement and protective services.

IACLEA accreditation indicates that the UAB Police Department has met standards that help to ensure the safety of both officers and the public, promotes operational efficiency and addresses high liability and risk management issues.

The new accreditation comes just after the department won a three-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) last summer. CALEA is an international law enforcement accreditation program that sets the standards for police departments across the United States and Canada.

UAB Police Chief Anthony Purcell says meeting the standards shows that the UAB Police Department adheres to the highest professional standards and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all faculty, staff, students and visitors.

The UAB Police Department has more than 170 sworn and professional staff. Units patrol more than 88 city blocks and 216 academic, residential and recreational buildings. The department provides numerous resources and services to promote safety, including the UAB Escort Service, emergency telephones and presentations at new student and employee orientations.