Georgia Southern University Police Department Receives State Certification

March 12, 2014

The Georgia Southern University Police Department has received again state certification status from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, representing the completion of a rigorous, multi-step process that recognizes the Department as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state.

Of more than 500 agencies in the state, approximately 100 are certified and among those, only four are universities. Additionally, the Georgia Southern University Police Department is the only law enforcement agency in the area certified by the Association. The state certification program is a voluntary program that certifies that departments operate under specific professional standards.

“It is a great honor for our University’s Police Department to receive this certification, and an even greater honor to be one of only four universities in the state to have received this status,” said Georgia Southern University President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D. “Our public safety officials and staff go the extra mile to ensure our campus is safe, which is important for our community, students and parents.”

To become certified, participating agencies must conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet the Association’s strict certification 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.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women of the University Police Department,” said Michael J. Russell, Chief of Police at Georgia Southern University. “They are true professionals and this is a huge accomplishment for them. They work hard every day to make the campus safe and secure, and this is a well deserved honor.”

Georgia Southern’s Police Department was initially certified in October 2010 after nearly a year of setting procedures, writing policies and conducting training. The certification lasts for three years and in October 2013, the Department received another on-site assessment that looked at how the Department met each of the approximately 100 standards set by the Joint Commission for all agencies statewide, and was awarded re-certification.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.