A select group of Virginia sheriffs and chiefs of police have given their stamp of approval to the Longwood University Police Department as one of the top departments in the state.
The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission has accredited the Longwood University Police Department, a distinction held by less than a third of the law enforcement agencies in the state.
"This is a banner day for the Longwood University Police Department," said LUPD Chief Bob Beach. "It takes a great deal of coordinated effort to maintain the standards required of this distinction and underscores Longwood’s commitment to community-based policing and use of modern technology for effective law enforcement. I am extremely proud of all of our officers and staff for their professionalism and expertise."
To obtain accreditation from VLEPSC, law enforcement agencies must meet nearly 200 standards for efficient and effective agency operation. Annual verification of compliance is required along with on-site assessments by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Derrick Mays, accreditation program manager, presented the Certification of Accreditation to Beach and the LUPD on Feb. 17.
The Longwood University Police Department consists of 18 sworn officers, including one investigator and four sergeants, and six dispatchers. The department is committed to proactive community policing, focusing its efforts on campus safety programs, including safety walks, a ride-along program and victim assistance.
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