The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) commitment to shared governance and institutional accountability was highlighted on Tuesday, October 14, as representatives from the Staff Senate, ASUN (student government), and Faculty Senate participated in a crucial review for the UNL Police Department's (UNL PD) CALEA re-accreditation.
The collaboration saw key campus voices invited to offer feedback and insight as the UNL PD underwent the assessment process by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
The Importance of CALEA
CALEA is a voluntary, non-governmental credentialing body that represents the "Gold Standard" in public safety. Agencies that achieve CALEA Accreditation demonstrate compliance with an established set of "best practices" standards covering policy, operations, administration, and training.
For the UNL PD, maintaining CALEA accreditation signifies a dedication to:
Accountability: Strengthening transparency and responsibility to the campus community.
Professionalism: Ensuring the department follows modern, internationally recognized law enforcement standards.
Risk Reduction: Limiting liability exposure through documented, compliant practices.
Shared Governance: Having a Seat at the Table
The invitation extended to the Staff, Faculty, and Student Senates underscores the foundational importance of shared governance at UNL. Shared governance is the principle that faculty, staff, students, and administration should jointly participate in the decision-making processes that affect the entire institution.
By having a "seat at the table" during the CALEA review, these groups ensure that the perspectives, concerns, and needs of the entire UNL community are factored into the assessment of the police department's practices. This inclusive approach builds trust, improves communication, and results in better-informed and more comprehensive public safety standards for everyone.
The Staff Senate extends sincere thanks to Jon-Michael McDaniel, UNL Police's Accreditation & Compliance Manager, for facilitating this vital collaboration and ensuring that the voice of the staff, alongside students and faculty, was an integral part of this important review process. This engagement is a clear win for campus transparency and collaborative leadership.
More details at: https://police.unl.edu/compliance-accreditation/?check_logged_in=1