WT Police Department Earns Third Consecutive Statewide Accreditation

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The West Texas A&M University Police Department has earned a third consecutive recognition for being committed to following best practices in law enforcement operations.

The University Police Department undertook a critical self-review of its policies, procedures, facilities and operations as part of the process of being named a Recognized Law Enforcement Agency from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation Law Enforcement Recognition Program.

“Lt. Barbara Ferrara, our accreditation manager, did an outstanding job of compiling our documentation and preparing our department for this on-site review.  Her hard work made the on-site visit go very smoothly,” UPD Chief Shawn Burns said. “We are proud to join the ranks of those agencies who have successfully achieved multiple accreditations. It demonstrates the honor and integrity of our officers to adhere to Texas’ best practices in law enforcement. Our campus community should be proud that we are dedicated to being the best in our profession.  Attaining and keeping accreditation status is an outward sign of that commitment.”

The accreditation program, which began in 2006, evaluates a police department’s compliance with nearly 170 best business practices for Texas law enforcement, which were developed by law enforcement professionals around the state to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights. They cover all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

WT’s UPD first was accredited in March 2016 and was first reaccredited in June 2020.

All police agencies accredited by the voluntary program must undergo an onsite inspection every fourth year. To secure this honor, the department began its lengthy review process immediately following its 2020 reaccreditation, providing proofs of compliance for each of the 168 best business practices. An outside audit and review was then conducted, followed by an on-site review between in June, conducted by trained police chiefs and command staff from around the state. 

“The University Police Department clearly is one of the best in the state, as this honor shows,” said President Walter V. Wendler. “It’s no wonder that WT and Canyon are routinely celebrated as among the safest universities and safest university towns in the state and nation. We are proud of the work the department does to keep our campus community safe.”

The department officially will be recognized for the reaccreditation in April at the TPCA annual conference.

The UPD currently employs 21 officers and 19 support staff members, which includes those UPD team members in the Gold Card office, University Lock Shop, Fire and Life Safety office, Parking Services, Dispatch, and Clery Compliance. 

Campus safety reflects WT’s principle of putting people first, an important precept in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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