UTMB Police secures dual accreditation for excellence in public safety

The UTMB Police Department has earned dual accreditation, a distinction recognizing excellence in both law enforcement and campus public safety.

The department recently earned accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), adding to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation it has maintained for more than a decade.

The two accreditation programs evaluate policies, procedures, training, and operations against nationally recognized professional standards.

For Kenith Adcox, chief of police and vice president of Security Operations, the significance of the achievement extends beyond the accreditation itself.

"Achieving dual accreditation is not simply about earning a designation," Adcox said. "It is about demonstrating, through independent review, that our department consistently meets the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and service."

What dual accreditation means

CALEA accreditation requires law enforcement agencies to demonstrate compliance with rigorous professional standards and undergo regular assessments.

IACLEA accreditation adds standards specific to campus law enforcement and the higher education environment. The review addresses areas such as campus safety programs, Clery Act compliance, Title IX coordination, student engagement, and campus policing practices.

Meeting both sets of standards is especially significant for UTMB, where police officers serve students, patients, employees, faculty, staff, and visitors across university and healthcare settings.

"Achieving dual accreditation through both CALEA and IACLEA places the UTMB Police Department among a select group of law enforcement agencies nationwide that have met the highest professional standards in both policing and campus public safety," Adcox said.

The accreditation process involved the entire department, with Melina Aguirre, accreditation manager, leading the effort.

"This accomplishment was truly a team effort," Adcox said. "Accreditation is not earned by a single individual or unit. It requires the participation and commitment of every employee. I am especially proud of the leadership provided by Melina Aguirre, who guided this extensive process and helped ensure our success."

A commitment to continuous improvement

For the UTMB community, the accreditation reinforces the department's commitment to maintaining high standards for safety, service, and professionalism.

"This achievement provides independent verification that the UTMB Police Department is operating according to rigorous national standards designed to enhance safety, service, professionalism, and public trust," Adcox said. "It demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment across our campuses and healthcare facilities."

Although the accreditation marks an important milestone for the department, Adcox said the work does not stop there.

"While accreditation is an important achievement, it is ultimately about ensuring we provide the highest quality public safety services possible," he said.