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SUNY Potsdam University Police Department Receives Reaccreditation

University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam Reaccredited by DCJS Law Enforcement Accreditation Council

Potsdam, NY (07/01/2021) — SUNY Potsdam's University Police Department has achieved reaccreditation through the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, providing formal recognition that the department meets or exceeds expectations of excellence in the field. The department was first accredited in 2016.

"The University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam voluntarily meets 110 best practice standards that the Department of Criminal Justice Services designs, to ensure we are meeting the needs of the citizens in New York State. Only about 25 percent of more than 500 police agencies in New York State meet these standards," said Chief Timothy M. Ashley II. "We will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in law enforcement."

New York was the first state in the country to standardize an accreditation process for law enforcement. The program helps agencies evaluate and improve their overall performance, by acknowledging the implementation of a set of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. The accreditation program encompasses a set of standards developed to further enhance the capability of an agency, including expectations for administration, training and operations.

The program promotes increased cooperation and coordination among police agencies and ensures appropriate training, to promote public confidence and increase departments' effectiveness and efficiency.

As just one example, SUNY Potsdam's University Police recently sponsored and hosted a Department of Criminal Justice Services training in "Principled Policing: Procedural Justice 1." The course provides an overview of the tenets of principled policing, providing a deeper understanding of building better relationships with the communities they serve, and building legitimacy and trust through their interactions with the public. Evidence shows that practicing procedural justice can have a significant impact on compliance, cooperation, public safety, and officer safety.

All members of the department attended, as well as officers from the Norfolk Police Department and Potsdam Police Department. Instructors came from the University Police, Potsdam Police and from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.

For information about SUNY Potsdam's University Police Department, visit https://www.potsdam.edu/about/safety/police.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

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The University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam has received reaccreditation from the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council.

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