On July 22, 2016, the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Campus Police Department received notification they were granted the coveted Award of Certification from the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

The concept of law enforcement accreditation began in the 1970s when the need to upgrade the profession’s public image was apparent. The goal was and is to instill “professionalism” into every phase of law enforcement service. In July 1996, the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police received a grant to implement a law enforcement accreditation program in Oklahoma. A committee including representatives from municipal, county and state law enforcement, municipal assurance attorneys and law enforcement bargaining units was formed to review and develop Oklahoma appropriate law enforcement accreditation standards. The standards or best practices are intended to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of law enforcement services. The standards cover all aspects of operations including an individual’s rights, use of force, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and other administrative, patrol and investigative operations.

This voluntary process included an internal agency review followed by a one-day on-site critical assessment of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations by a team of law enforcement professionals from outside the OCCC Campus Police Department. A comprehensive assessment report was forwarded to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission for review followed by the final review and determination by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board.

The OCCC Campus Police Department considers itself to be one of the best. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s overall operations that should assure the students, faculty and staff that its police department conforms to current professional standards and best practices. The official certification credentials will be formally presented at the regular meeting of the Board of Regents Aug. 15, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

For additional information and benefits of accreditation, please visit the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police website at www.theoacp.com.

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.