Taking Pride in Our Police Department's Achievement

August 12, 2011

Members of the Rutgers Community:

I am proud to announce that on July 30, 2011, after the completion of a rigorous three-year process, the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) on all three campuses earned full advanced law enforcement accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The RUPD becomes one of twelve law enforcement agencies within the State of New Jersey, representing less than 2 percent of all agencies in the state, that have achieved this prestigious recognition.

Ours is also one of only 49 college or university police departments worldwide that have earned advanced law enforcement accreditation.

The RUPD’s quest for this recognition of professional excellence was driven by its desire to better serve and protect our community. The accreditation process included conducting a departmentwide evaluation and taking the steps necessary to ensure that Rutgers met or, in many cases, exceeded the 479 standards that were required under the advanced accreditation program. Throughout the process, the department demonstrated willingness and determination to make significant changes while embracing and implementing the best of police and security practices.

It was gratifying to learn that the independent assessors reported the RUPD had “an excellent on-site assessment.” This achievement demonstrates the RUPD’s commitment to professionalism and further reinforces the value of our three campuses working together to provide exceptional law enforcement, safety, and security services.

Please join me in applauding all members of the RUPD on their extraordinary efforts and in thanking them for their dedication to bringing progressive and exemplary public safety services to the Rutgers community.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey