Central OC Times

The University of California, Irvine Police Department (UCIPD) has been accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), placing it among the top 10 percent of university police agencies nationwide. This accreditation signifies that UCIPD maintains high standards in professionalism, accountability, and safety.

“Achieving IACLEA accreditation highlights our agency’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations,” said UCIPD Chief Liz Griffin. “Everyone – from police officers to professional staff – has proven their commitment to work at the highest level of their profession in order to serve the UCI community.”

IACLEA assessors conducted a thorough evaluation over five weeks, examining various aspects such as operations, investigations, dispatch, community engagement, crime prevention, training, property and evidence management, and professional standards.

UCIPD not only met but exceeded expectations by achieving 93 percent of the "extra credit" standards beyond IACLEA's minimum requirements. Assessors praised this achievement as a testament to the department's sustained excellence.

“For the university, this achievement underscores its priority of campus safety as a cornerstone of student success and institutional excellence,” said Mary Lou Ortiz, chief financial officer and vice chancellor for finance and administration. “This recognition places UC Irvine at the forefront of campus safety initiatives, serving as a model across the UC system as well as among universities nationwide.”

Since its establishment in 1965 with just a few officers, UCIPD has evolved into an advanced law enforcement agency comprising 47 full-time police officers and nearly 100 professional staff members. The department is responsible for safeguarding both the UC Irvine campus and UCI Health medical centers in Orange and Irvine. Its capabilities include a systemwide response team, bike patrol unit, K-9 crews, mental health co-response team, and investigations unit.

The accreditation remains valid for four years during which UCIPD will submit annual reports to demonstrate ongoing compliance with initial accreditation standards. For more information on UCIPD services and initiatives or about UC Irvine itself—including its contributions to research and education—interested parties can visit their respective websites.

###