LUPD earns reaccreditation

The Lehigh University Police Department was recently informed that it has earned reaccreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). The unanimous vote from the commission followed a two-day onsite review by three state assessors, who determined that the LUPD met all 127 standards for accreditation

The LUPD is one of only six Pennsylvania private colleges and universities to have a professionally accredited force with full police powers.

The review included a tour of LUPD’s central offices and two substations, two ride-alongs with LUPD officers, and a comprehensive assessment of standards summaries, file maintenance, levels of service and departmental policies and procedures.

“You have the right to be very proud of your agency,” wrote the PLEAC program coordinator in a final report issued to LUPD Chief Ed Shupp. “Your work in the program demonstrates the type of leadership that we strive for in law enforcement in Pennsylvania.”

The report noted that a very small number of law enforcement agencies in the state can lay claim to completion of the assessment’s rigorous standards. Several interviews conducted “supported the professionalism” of staff, and demonstrated “solid knowledge of agency policy and expectations.” The facilities – including the main station (now relocated to 321 Packer Ave.) and two substations were “neat and orderly” and presented a professional appearance. There was, one assessor wrote, “an obvious sense of pride among the staff.”

Accredited by the PLEAC since 2006, the LUPD includes 26 sworn full-time officers, two part-time officers and nine full-time and 22 part-time staff. The department operates its own emergency communications center and serves a jurisdiction that covers 2,400 acres, including 50 miles of roads that are patrolled on a daily basis. The LUPD also participates in a Community Policing program with the Bethlehem Police Department, and shares interoperability on surveillance monitoring with the city.

“We’re very gratified that our efforts to protect and serve our campus community in a professional and comprehensive manner were recognized by the PLEAC,” said LUPD Chief Ed Shupp. “We know that the assessors were very thorough in their review, and were particularly complimentary of the men and women on our staff, and of the pride they take in their work.”

Lehigh’s Police Officers receive the same training as municipal police officers. In addition to the state-mandated training course, the Department requires officers to have yearly CPR training, firearms school with yearly re-qualification and training in issues relating to drugs, drunk driving and crime prevention. Officers also receive the most current training available in law enforcement, medical response and other related areas, Shupp said.

The LUPD will be officially dedicating their new facility at 321 Packer Ave. during a ceremony to commemorate National Police Week at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 17. The campus community is invited to attend the ceremony and a reception/open house that will follow.