Certificate of Law Enforcement Accreditation

Lehigh University Police Chief Edward K. Shupp receives a Certificate of Law Enforcement Accreditation from the PA Chiefs of Police Association on May 19, 2007.

LUPD CITED AS A MODEL UNIVERSITY POLICE AGENCY

The Lehigh University Police Department recently learned that it has been re-accreditated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. The university remains one of only three university police departments in the state to have earned the distinction.

The recognition by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) was determined following a two-day on-site evaluation by a  team of assesors that analyzed all aspects of the department’s procedures, policies, operations and management. The team also reviews written materials and incorporates on-site observations drawn from campus interviews and visits, according to Ed Shupp, chief of the university police department.

“It’s an extremely thorough, top-to-bottom examination of the entire department and our operations,” he said.
Through this accredited status, the LUPD retains its place among an elite corps of professional law enforcement agencies throughout the state that have demonstrated excellence and professionalism in the delivery of law enforcement services to the community in which it serves, according to the PLEAC.

John Smeaton, vice provost for Student Affairs division, which includes the LUPD, said that the achievement of re-accreditation status serves to “affirm the quality of our police department and underscore Lehigh's commitment to promote campus safety,”

In the re-accreditation report, the team’s leader, Randolph G. Cox, described the university’s police department as a “model university police agency” that is “well-organized, trained, disciplined and effective,” and which employs modern equipment and progressive procedures to ensure compliance with best practice methods, statutes and case law.

Cox said that his team found in the LUPD a “spirit of service and dedication to the community which it serves that is unequalled.”

It was the accreditation team’s opinion that, as the LUPD works to maintain their accredited status, “they will only increase their proficiency in their service to the community, which is obvious they hold in high regard,” Cox wrote. “It is obvious that the chief and his staff work diligently to pursue the standards of excellence that would be expected of a department accredited by the PLEAC.”

The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association introduced the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program to the Commonwealth in July 2001 to provide a reasonable and cost effective plan for the professionalization of law enforcement agencies within the Commonwealth.

Police Officer of the Year Award - 2011

Cpl. Anthony Gallagher has been awarded the 9th Annual Police Officer of the Year Award for 2011.  Cpl. Gallagher was chosen by a committee consisting of Tom Dubreuil, Ozzie Breiner, Mary Jo McNulty, and Greg Schulze.  

Cpl. Anthony Gallagher is being nominated for Officer of Year as the supervisor in charge of the Community Police Unit.  The Community Police Unit’s ever presence continues to impact the Lehigh Community’s overall safety.  The unit has seen an increase in interest by off-campus residents primarily as they are often seen walking/riding bike in the area.  This year, Tony initiated a block watch program, called Hawk Watch for off-campus residents.  He worked very hard at creating every aspect of the program including brainstorming, creating training manuals, hand outs and providing student training.  In addition, Tony was also given the responsibility of handling Defensive Tactics and the R.A.D. Program.  The R.A.D. programs in the Fall 2011 had some of the largest turnouts that we have had in a long time.  Tony spent a great deal of time getting the word out and working on providing several RAD training programs. All of these efforts take a tremendous amount of time and dedication, in addition to being able to balance his daily responsibilities of supervisor of the Community Police Unit.  

For these reasons, along with his overall performance, is why Cpl. Gallagher has been nominated for Officer of the Year.

Police Officer of the Month Award - July 2012

I am pleased to announce Inv. Jason Gianatiempo has been nominated as Officer of the Month for July 2012.

 Inv. Gianatiempo was nominated for his efforts concerning an investigation of a stolen cell phone.  Through his diligence, he had a suspect charged for the crime and property recovered within two days of the crime being reported.  During the investigation, Inv. Gianatiempo was able to maintain his professionalism and see through the confusion, identify a suspect and ultimately receive a confession to the crime.

 It is for these reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - June 2012

I am pleased to announce Off. Matthew Hyman has been nominated as Officer of the Month for June 2012.

Off. Hyman was nominated for his efforts on June 16^th when he observed 4 males pulling on car door handles and opening doors.  Due to his vigilance, the males were eventually apprehended by BPD and were found to be carrying property from vehicle break-ins in the area.  They were subsequently charged.

It is for these reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - May 2012

I am pleased to announce Cpl. Josh Milisits has been nominated as Officer of the Month for May 2012.

Cpl. Milisits was nominated for his efforts coordinating the Honor Guard and its presentation of colors at the LUPD awards ceremony on May 15, 2012 during National Police Week.  The ceremony was a complete success.

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - April 2012

I am pleased to announce Off. Greg Nolf has been nominated as Officer of the Month for April 2012.

Off. Nolf was nominated for his effort in apprehending a suspect on East 5^th Street while working on April 10, 2012 after receiving a description of a suspect involved in a stabbing at McGrady’s Bar.  Off. Nolf held the suspect until Bethlehem Police could arrive.

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month.  

Police Officer of the Month Award - January 2012

I am pleased to announce Cpl. Jim Christman has been nominated as Officer of the Month for January 2012.

Cpl. Christman was nominated for his effort in apprehending a suspect while working in plain clothes who was fleeing from the scene after he committed a robbery off-campus.  Cpl. Christman showed control and used good judgment as the suspect had a toy gun on him. 

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - December 2011

I am pleased to announce Officer Mark Ferencin has been nominated as Officer of the Month for December 2011.

Officer Ferencin was nominated for his diligence in investigating a theft report which eventually lead to the arrest of a suspect and recovering the stolen Ipad. 

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - October 2011

I am pleased to announce Officer Richard Holmes has been nominated as Officer of the Month for October 2011.

On October 3, 2011, while on patrol, Officer Holmes witnessed activity near Birkel Avenue that lead him to witness an attempted robbery of a Lehigh Student by two males.  In addition, because of his quick action, he was able to apprehend one of the suspects into custody and assist in apprehending the remaining suspect. 

It is for those reasons that Officer Holmes has been named Officer of the Month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - September 2011

I am pleased to announce Officer Kevin O’Hay has been nominated as Officer of the Month for September 2011.

On September 15, while on patrol in the ZAC parking deck, Officer O’Hay observed a male fitting the description of a suspect that was breaking into cars recently and was able to apprehend the suspect after he tried to flee.

It is for those reasons that Kevin has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - May 2011

I am pleased to announce Officer Mark Schaller has been nominated as Officer of the Month for May 2011.

Officer Schaller was nominated for his involvement in helping Bethlehem Police Department locate a vehicle that was just involved in a hit and run accident near Soto Santi Bar.  Off. Schaller quickly responded to the request for assistance and stopped a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on Birkel Avenue that matched the description of the vehicle in question.  BPD was able to make an arrest because of Off. Schaller’s actions.  

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - January 2011

I am pleased to announce Officer Josh Milisits has been nominated as Officer of the Month for January 2011.

Officer Milisits was nominated for his ability to handle a student in distress.  Off. Milisits professionalism and calm demeanor during this difficult situation aided in getting the student help as soon as possible.  It is because of his quick actions that EMS and proper university officials were notified of this situation immediately.  

It is for those reasons that he has been named officer of the month.