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The University Police Department at the University of Arkansas at Monticello recently earned Tier II (Basic Accreditation) status in the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) through the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP). UAM is one of only 16 agencies statewide to receive this recognition.

ALEAP is a voluntary program that helps police agencies meet professional standards for best practices in areas such as use of force, citizen rights and evidence management. Developed by the AACP, the program ensures agencies have correct policies and procedures in place. Agencies that meet these standards receive “Accredited” status at the Tier I and Tier II levels. Tier II is designed for agencies seeking to meet essential best practices in law enforcement operations, requiring them to implement the AACP policies to ensure compliance with critical state and federal requirements.

Chief John Kidwell, director of the University Police Department at UAM, stated, “Professional development is important not only for universities but also for law enforcement statewide. Accreditation sets benchmarks for policies and practices, contributing to higher standards across Arkansas. This is part of the accreditation process, advancing officers' skills and education. Ultimately, it’s about improving the law enforcement profession both on campus and statewide.”

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, commended the University Police Department for their accomplishment, stating, “Achieving Tier II status in the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our officers. This recognition highlights UAM’s commitment to continuous improvement in law enforcement practices. Under Chief Kidwell’s leadership, our department is setting new standards for officer education and development, ensuring the highest level of service and security for our UAM community.”

The University Police Department plans to advance to Tier I accreditation during the spring semester. Tier I requires agencies to implement fully all applicable standards of ALEAP across a broad range of operations, while Tier II focuses on implementing key policies and meeting essential state and federal requirements with more flexibility.

“Tier 1 will help us improve officer development. For example, as of May, every officer on our main campus will have a degree, including five with master's degrees,” said Chief Kidwell.