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UMW Police Department Earns Four-Year Reaccreditation

The University of Mary Washington Police Department has earned another four years of accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC), reaffirming the department’s adherence to professional standards and best practices.

The achievement marks the UMW Police Department’s second reaccreditation since earning initial accreditation in 2018 and reflects an ongoing commitment to accountability, campus safety and service to the University community.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for earning reaccreditation once again,” said Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Michael Hall. “While the designation itself is important, what it really represents is a group of dedicated professionals who care deeply about serving the UMW community and who are committed to doing things the right way.”

Accreditation is a voluntary process that examines a department’s administration, operations, personnel and training. Independent assessors review policies, procedures and agency practices to determine compliance with professional law enforcement standards established by VLEPSC.

Made up of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, VLEPSC provides a statewide framework for measuring and improving law enforcement operations.

UMW Police is one of 113 law enforcement agencies statewide accredited by VLEPSC and one of just five college or university police departments on the commission’s current list.

Though formal reaccreditation takes place every four years, maintaining the designation is an ongoing, demanding process. UMW Police personnel regularly review policies, document compliance and compile information for assessors, making accreditation part of the department’s day-to-day operations rather than a once-every-four-years review.

“That process helps us remain responsive to the needs of our campus and ensures we continue providing the highest level of service possible,” Hall said.

Hall credited University administrators and the entire police department with supporting the effort, with special recognition for Capt. Bill Gill, First Sergeant Dillon Brooks and Emergency Communications Officer Lee Kimes for their leadership and attention to detail throughout the accreditation process.