Editor's note: This story's headline has been updated to correctly recognize IUPD as the first unified higher education law enforcement agency to be accredited in the U.S.
The Indiana University Police Department has been recognized as the first higher education law enforcement agency in the nation to achieve accreditation as a unified organization on Thursday, as announced in a press release.
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators accredited IUPD as a system because it serves all nine IU campuses under one chief executive, Anthony Williams, with unified policies and one accreditation manager, Heather Braun, who oversees the effort.
Accreditation is a voluntary process where an external accrediting body recognizes a department's commitment to accountability and continuous improvement in policing, according to their stability criteria and community feedback.
To achieve accreditation, IUPD must adhere to the IACLEA’s rigorous standards, validated by peer review. These standards, outlined in the IACLEA Accreditation Standards Manual, cover areas such as training and human resources, organization and administration, administrative and technical services and crime prevention and community involvement.
Braun has been leading IUPD to this accomplishment since she filled her role with the rank of major in July of 2022, though IUPD started the accreditation process at the beginning of 2020.Accreditation is valid for four years and subject to renewal upon expiration. IUPD is also required to submit annual reports confirming that IUPD is consistent with IACLEA standards to hold accreditation.
“Achieving compliance with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators’ state-of-the-art standards in policy and programs required the teamwork of the entire IU Police Department,” Braun said in a press release. “The IUPD worked toward achieving each goal with purpose and a drive to innovate, and it is exciting to complete the accreditation process.”
