Public Safety Department Receives Third Accreditation

Duquesne’s public safety department has earned its third accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Accreditation Commission.

When initially evaluated in 2009, Duquesne was just the third university across the state whose public safety department earned association accreditation. When its second reaccreditation was approved on Oct. 20, Duquesne was among only five universities to undergo the intense process required to assess policing, administration, law enforcement procedures, physical facilities, vehicles, equipment and other aspects of the department by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA).

“Becoming an accredited law enforcement agency is very difficult; becoming re-accredited is even more difficult,” said Richard Hammon, accreditation program coordinator for the PCPA. “Director (Thomas) Hart understands the issues facing today’s law enforcement, one of which is a demand for transparency. Accreditation assists in providing that transparency while, at the same time, continuously monitoring department directives and performance. The PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is proud to have the Duquesne University Department of Public Safety as a part of our program.”

Assistant Chief Michael Sippey, the department’s accreditation manager, was assisted by Corporal Mike Kiryk in this evaluation, which required on-site visits by association representatives from beyond western Pennsylvania. Accreditation will run through 2018.

Hart commended Sippey and Kiryk for their leadership, “not only during the evaluation process, but their constant efforts throughout each year to keep the department in compliance. Their diligence and attention to detail are the leading factors in receiving the ‘outstanding’ review.

“The entire department should be very proud, as each and every member has contributed to this accomplishment,” Hart continued. “The administrative team would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts to make our department the best that it can be.”

The department employs 32 sworn police officers, nine security guards and eight support staff members. All campus police officers receive Act 120 certification and annually receive more than the state-required 12 hours of mandatory training and firearms qualification training. They have the powers, authority and responsibility of any officer of the Commonwealth on property owned or operated by Duquesne, including public streets and property adjacent to the 50-acre campus.