New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council Approves Stony Brook University Police Department as Accredited Agency

Newswise — The Stony Brook University Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Robert Lenahan, recently received accreditation status from the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council , announced University President Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., MD. The University Police Department has joined the ranks of 139 law enforcement agencies throughout New York State and is only the second department within the SUNY system to achieve this recognition. Agencies that request to be considered for accreditation must first demonstrate that it meets or exceed standards identified by the Division of Criminal Justices Services (DCJS). Conducted over a two-year period at minimum, this process includes an on-site visit by peer assessors who perform a survey to determine compliance with 132 standards. Written policies are examined to ensure proper implementation, and assessors interview many members of the organization, testing their knowledge of policies and the department’s adherence to those policies. “This is a tremendous achievement for our department and is an important milestone in the short history of the University Police Department as a law enforcement agency,” said President Stanley. “Accreditation status signifies that our University Police Department utilizes best practices in policing and have tailored response efforts to meet the needs of the unique law enforcement environment that is a campus setting.” “It is highly complementary to be recognized by our peers throughout the state as a truly professional organization,” said Chief Lenahan. “I congratulate our entire team for their hard work; this accreditation is a testament to them.” According to the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Council website, accreditation is a progressive and contemporary way of helping police agencies evaluate and improve their overall performance. It provides formal recognition that an organization meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. About the University Police Department at Stony Brook Comprised of sworn officers recognized by the State of New York, the Stony Brook University Police Department is a Division of Criminal Justice Services accredited agency oriented to serve the needs of the Stony Brook campus community. The mission of the Stony Brook University Police Department focuses on excellence, to provide leadership through innovation and creativity in a dynamic, diverse, and professional organization. We strive to create a safe and secure environment by dedicating ourselves to raising the level of preparedness to meet the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The Department strives to develop and maintain a positive relationship with all segments of the campus community to obtain their cooperation and support in providing successful law enforcement services and implementing beneficial community policing programs. University Police takes its role in enforcement and prevention very seriously. As a reminder, members of the campus community are encouraged to visit our campus safety page at http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/safety.shtml to learn more about the various safety programs and initiatives provided by Stony Brook University.