University Police Department Earns Sixth CALEA Reaccreditation
Wed, 03/25/2026 - 09:07am | By: Emily Holmes
Chief of Police Rusty Keyes and UPD Accreditation Manager Dr. Emily Holmes with representatives of CALEA.
The University Police Department has been awarded reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for the sixth consecutive time, reaffirming the agency’s ongoing commitment to professional standards, transparency and excellence in public safety.
CALEA accreditation is considered the gold standard in public safety. The process requires agencies to meet hundreds of rigorous professional standards covering operations, administration, training and service delivery. Maintaining accreditation involves a comprehensive review process, including assessments conducted by independent evaluators to ensure continued compliance and adherence to best practices in modern policing. An onsite reaccreditation visit occurs once every four years.
“Achieving a sixth reaccreditation from CALEA demonstrates the ongoing dedication and hard work of every member of the University Police Department and shows our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in law enforcement,” said Chief Rusty Keyes.
“I want to personally thank Dr. Emily Holmes for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication during this CALEA process,” said Keyes. “Her professionalism is clearly reflected in the success of our onsite review and the commission board’s evaluation.”
CALEA accreditation requires agencies to demonstrate compliance with hundreds of standards designed to strengthen accountability, improve operational effectiveness and build public trust. Agencies undergo periodic reassessment to maintain accredited status.
Dr. Kristi Motter, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said completing six cycles of CALEA accreditation marks an extraordinary commitment to best practices and accountability.
“I am deeply proud of the entire University Police Department’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in safety and service for our campus community,” Motter said. “This commitment represents countless hours of hard work, integrity and a shared mission to ensure our campus community feels safe, supported and protected.”
With this sixth reaccreditation, the University Police Department continues its tradition of professionalism and dedication to serving the community with integrity, transparency and excellence.