TWU Department of Public Safety earns IACLEA accreditation

Photo by Michael Modecki

Jan. 28, 2019 — DENTON — The Texas Woman’s University Department of Public Safety has joined the ranks of only 1.5 percent of university police departments to achieve accreditation by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the leading authority for campus public safety.

The accreditation process included reviews of policies and procedures ranging from file maintenance to critical incident management. Following its site visit last summer, the assessment team found the university’s DPS to be in compliance with all applicable standards.

“We are thrilled to achieve the IACLEA accreditation because it demonstrates an extraordinary commitment from our officers and administrators to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement — and that translates to a safer campus environment,” said Samuel Garrison, executive director of public safety at TWU.

The TWU DPS covers campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston and consists of 21 sworn positions, 12 non-sworn security officer positions and 13 support staff personnel.

Autumn Stinchcomb, Clery compliance officer and accreditation manager for the TWU DPS, said the process has increased professionalism within the department.

“Being IACLEA accredited allows us to be recognized in the community as an agency that follows standardized best practices,” she said. “It demonstrates our commitment to safety and professionalism as a whole. We are a better and more modernized department because of the thorough accreditation requirements and process.”

IACLEA accreditation is for a four-year period. The campus police department must submit annual reports during that time.

“By achieving accreditation, the Texas Woman’s University Police Department has demonstrated that it belongs among the elite ranks of campus public safety agencies,” said Jerry Murphy, IACLEA director of professional services. “The TWU campus community should be proud that its police department is committed to the continuous improvement that is a hallmark of the accreditation program.”

For more information on the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, visit www.iaclea.org.

Page last updated 5:07 PM, April 13, 2022