December 14, 2004

Cal State Fullerton Police Receive National Accreditation

Cal State Fullerton's University Police Department has been reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. The public safety agency was awarded a full three-year accreditation at the organization's winter meeting Dec. 4 in Austin, Texas.

When first accredited in 2001, CSUF's police force was the first in the CSU system to be accredited by the commission.

“This is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” noted Chief Judi King. “We are proud to have achieved this honor, which acknowledges the high quality of the service provided by our employees.”

As part of the accreditation process, assessors of the Fairfax, Va., organization visited the campus in August, held a public hearing and on-site assessment of all aspects of the department's policy and procedures, management, operations and support services to verify that the university meets the commission's standards.

“The California State University, Fullerton Police Department is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing its partnership with the university community through a variety of programs,” reported Peter A. Agnesi, chief of police for Avon, Conn., and assessment team leader. “All members of the agency were extremely courteous, knowledgeable and professional throughout the on-site process. The quality of services provided to the university community and surrounding agencies was extremely high.”

Other members of the assessment team were Blythe B. Fausto, captain of the Arizona State University Department of Public Safety, and Wes Jordan, lieutenant of the Prairie Village, Kan., Police Department.

As part of the assessment team's overall review, the high quality of the University Police's efforts were noted in the areas of emergency management, homeland security endeavors, cooperative advanced training, effective crime prevention program, record-keeping procedures and public information material prepared for the reaccreditation visit.

Of University Police's 29 full-time employees, 21 are sworn police officers who have received training through accredited police academies. They operate with similar responsibilities and authority as officers in municipal and county law enforcement agencies.

“Our common goal,” noted King, “is to assure that our campus is a safe place to study, teach, work, reside and visit.”

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Media Contacts: Chief Judi King at 657-278-2900 or jking@fullerton.edu
Pamela McLaren of Public Affairs at 657-278-4852 or pmclaren@fullerton.edu