The Cleveland State University Police Department has received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The process involves a comprehensive review of all aspects of police operations, including a three-day, on-site audit, and is considered the industry standard for professional excellence. CSU is one of only 76 campus law enforcement agencies nationally to receive CALEA accreditation.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award particularly because it highlights CSUPD’s continued efforts to implement innovative programs and training initiatives that make for a safer and healthier campus community,” notes Gary Lewis, Chief of the Cleveland State Police Department. “I would like to thank all the members of the CSU community who participated in the CALEA process.”

As part of the assessment, agency employees and the general public were invited to offer comments regarding CSUPD operations both by telephone and in an in-person hearing with assessors. The CALEA team was composed of public safety and law enforcement practitioners from out-of-state agencies. This is the first time the Cleveland State University Police Department has pursued CALEA accreditation – all CALEA accredited agencies are reassessed every four years.

The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Program is to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives including crime prevention, management improvement, diversity enhancement and improved service delivery and interagency cooperation. CALEA was founded in 1979 through the joint efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; National Sheriffs' Association; and the Police Executive Research Forum.

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