The University of Toledo Police Department is one of the first 10 agencies in the state to be certified under a new voluntary law enforcement accreditation program.
The Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was established last year by Gov. Mike DeWine to recognize law enforcement agencies that meet or exceed nearly three dozen state standards.
The University of Toledo Police Department is one of the first 10 agencies in Ohio to be certified under a new voluntary law enforcement accreditation program.
The UToledo Police Department was selected along with nine other agencies across the state to participate in the program’s first round of certification.
UTPD received its accreditation last week.
“This is an affirmation of the good work we were already doing,” said Rodney Theis, associate vice president of public safety and chief of the UToledo Police Department. “We feel that we have a really strong department with good policies, superior training and high accountability. We now have an independent body that has reviewed us and come to those same conclusions. We’re proud of this accreditation.”
The state’s program included a review of more than 30 standards of professional excellence, including bias-free policing, crisis intervention, employee recruitment and hiring, agency wellness and records policies.
“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our officers and staff who serve this campus daily,” said Lt. Nate Pool, who co-managed the accreditation process. “They uphold these standards in real time, whether responding to calls for service, engaging with students or ensuring the safety of our campus community. Their professionalism and commitment make this recognition meaningful.”
DeWine said UTPD and the other agencies that recently achieved accreditation have “reached the state’s highest standards in professional excellence, integrity and accountability.”
“Accreditation is important,” he said, “because it sends a message to the public that they’re being served by an agency that’s among the best of the best.”
Other agencies that received accreditation last week included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Dayton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
