The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Committee has voted to bestow Tier 1 Advanced Re-Accreditation to the UCA Police Department for the next three years.
The Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) is a voluntary process where police agencies in Arkansas prove their compliance with Arkansas law enforcement’s current best practices or Standards.
An agency that has been awarded Tier 1 (Advanced) status has undertaken a careful internal review of all of its policies and procedures, equipment, facilities, and operations and has then requested an outside review to prove its compliance with the standards.
The accreditation was first awarded to the department in 2017 and then again in 2022.
UCAPD Chief John Merguie said, “I am very pleased that the department has been able to once again complete the re-accreditation process for the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. We are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our campus community, and accreditation helps validate that commitment.”
“The accreditation process ensures that the department is adhering to the best practice standards as set forth by the Association. These standards evolve as time goes by, so the re-accreditation helps keep the department updated and focused,” said Michael Hopper, public information officer for UCAPD.
The department provides around-the-clock law enforcement, public safety, emergency management and 9-1-1 services to the UCA community.