Georgia Southern University Police Department Earns Accreditation by Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police

July 5, 2011

Georgia Southern University’s Department of Public Safety has earned accreditation by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, representing the completion of a rigorous multi-step process.  By earning the prestigious accreditation, Georgia Southern becomes one of only four universities in the state to be recognized for its efforts.

“Georgia Southern University has one of the best public safety operations in the state and this accreditation is just another example of the pride that our police officers take in their jobs,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D., president of Georgia Southern University. “Georgia Southern has been recognized as having one of the safest campuses in the country and that’s important for the community, our students and especially their parents.”

Stan York, chief of police in Sandersville, Ga., and incoming president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, visited the campus to present the accreditation to the University’s administration.  University Police Chief Mike Russell and Officer Jan Clayton, who led the accreditation effort for the University, were presented with plaques in recognition of completing the multi-step accreditation.

“Obtaining certification represents a significant professional achievement,” said York.  “Out of 700 agencies in the state, approximately 100 have earned accreditation.  Out of those, only four are universities.  Georgia Southern has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and today joins a very elite group of accredited agencies.”

“Earning the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification represents the culmination of a lot of work by our entire department,” said Russell.  He was quick to note that earning the accreditation is just the first step.  “Our goal is to continue to improve and provide the safest campus possible for our students, faculty, and staff.  We are committed to providing a safe and secure campus through professional service and proactive crime prevention.”

To earn accreditation, participating agencies must conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet the Association’s strict accreditation standards. When the procedures are in place, a team of trained assessors verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented. A joint executive committee then determines if all requirements for certification have been met and approves accreditation.