Virginia Tech Police Department receives IACLEA reaccreditation

Linda Hazelwood

25 Jul 2024

IACLEA Reaccrediation award ceremony with Chief Mac Babb, Cpl. John Tarter, and Officer Nigel Lee along with members of the ICLEA board — Chief of Police Mac Babb (fourth from left), Officer Nigel Lee (third from left), and Cpl. John Tarter (second from left) accepted the reaccreditation award alongside IACLEA members at the organization's annual conference in New Orleans in June. Photo courtesy of John Tarter.

The Virginia Tech Police Department again proved its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of campus safety and professional police practices by earning reaccreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). This recognition was formally presented at the organization's annual conference in New Orleans in June and is the agency’s fifth consecutive award.

Since its inception in 1945, the police department has grown from three part-time university employees into a comprehensive, full-service law enforcement agency. Today, the department has 53 full-time police officers who are supported by a range of specialized units, including security guards, security center representatives, and Safe Ride officers. The department maintains other capabilities including an Emergency Response Team, K-9 teams, threat assessment, a mental health co-response team, and a collision investigation team.

The reaccreditation process involved an extensive review of the department’s policies, practices, and operations. Virginia Tech is one of few agencies that maintain joint accreditation through IACLEA and the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies. This means that two external agencies review the department for compliance with nationally recognized, best practice standards.

"This reaccreditation is a testament to the relentless dedication and professionalism of every member of our team," said Chief of Police Mac Babb. "I am incredibly proud of our officers and staff for continually striving to exceed the standards set forth by the IACLEA and for their unwavering commitment to the Virginia Tech community."

IACLEA President Paul Dean also commended the police department: "We congratulate the Virginia Tech Police Department on achieving IACLEA accreditation, a unique distinction among campus police and public safety agencies. The men and women protecting your campus have proven through policy and practice the commitment to operate at the highest level of the profession."

Accreditation by the IACLEA not only signifies a commitment to excellence but also recognizes increased accountability and a continuous drive for improvement.