Excellence in Campus Public Safety
Montana State University Police Department is the first department in the state of Montana to receive IACLEA accreditation.
What is IACLEA?
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. Voted by an independent commission comprised of international experts in the field of law enforcement and public safety, UPD is the first agency in the state of Montana to achieve the prestigious IACLEA award. This recognition signifies UPD’s ongoing commitment to public safety excellence and demonstrates to their personnel, the campus community, and outside experts, the dedication and professionalism in every aspect of their operations.
The Accreditation process consists of 5 steps:
Candidacy – The agency applies and receives detailed information about accreditation; the agency’s chief signs an agreement to become an candidate agency. At that point, the agency designates an accreditation manager who works with IACLEA staff to determine the standards applicable to the agency’s function.
Self-Assessment – The agency compares its policies and programs against the IACLEA standards, making adjustments to existing policies or developing new ones. Agency personnel then compile proofs of compliance - policies, records, reports, etc.- demonstrating compliance with standards. Once the agency is satisfied that it has met the standards’ requirements, it notifies IACLEA to schedule an on-site assessment. The self-assessment is the longest phase and can take up to 36 months.
On-site Assessment – Two campus public safety professionals, carefully selected and trained by the Commission, visit the campus to conduct a review of agency compliance of standards. The assessment generally consists of a tour of facilities, interviews with agency personnel and members of the campus community, a compliance review of applicable standards, and receipt of public comment. Assessors provide feedback to the agency during the review. The assessors submit a written report to IACLEA.
Commission Review and Award – A compliance committee reviews the assessment teams report, then sends it to the full commission for a vote. IACLEA accreditation is awarded for a four-year period. Formal recognition of all agencies accredited or re-accredited during the year occurs at the IACLEA Annual Conference and Exposition.
Maintain Compliance – The agency continues to measure performance against standards, submitting annual reports demonstrating compliance.
Professionalism-Openness-Leadership-Integrity-Community-Excellence
Dear Bobcat Nation,
The MSU Police Department is proud to receive IACLEA accreditation. While a voluntary process, accreditation is a critical tool in ensuring we are serving the university community to the best of our abilities and with the utmost professionalism. The rigorous process of accreditation also helps ensure transparency and accountability in policing and enhances trust in law enforcement in our community. Montana State strives to be a leader – whether that is in education, research, or safety and I am grateful for the hard work of all MSU Police Department members involved in the extensive accreditation process. Michael Stanley - Chief of Police
