The University of Virginia Police Department currently maintains Law Enforcement Accreditation status through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). As part of this process, the Department is required to maintain 181 standards that provide best practices related to life, health, and safety procedures, and are considered foundational for contemporary law enforcement agencies. The program provides the framework for addressing high risk issues within a contemporary environment, and ensures officers are prepared to meet basic community service expectations and prepared to manage critical events.
The Department was awarded their initial accreditation on November 19, 2011, and was re-accredited in 2014, 2017, and 2021. The latest action marks 10 years of continuous accreditation.
Accreditation Public Comment Portal
As an accredited law enforcement agency through CALEA, the University of Virginia Police Department has voluntarily committed to an independent review process. The accreditation process is designed to ensure that a law enforcement agency is adhering to the most contemporary and up-to-date best practices with regard to policy and procedures. The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.