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 - 2010

Off. John Torres has been awarded the 8th Annual Police Officer of the Year Award for 2010.  Off. Torres was chosen by a committee consisting of Tom Dubreuil, Ozzie Breiner, Mary Jo McNulty, and Greg Schulze.  

Officer Torres has been with this department for three years.  Throughout his time, he has always been active in his role as a police officer and is constantly looking for ways to improve the Department.  Off. Torres is known to be at the police station on his days off and is constantly volunteering to participate in activities involving the Department.  He spearheaded the organization of a friendly game of softball against the Dean of Student’s office in order to raise funds to benefit the Shop with a Cop program.  In addition, Off. Torres took the initiative throughout the year to set up fundraising tables at different locations across campus to help raise money for the Shop with a Cop Program.  Officer Torres is active in the community police unit as he has made several connections with off campus houses/businesses and is diligently making note of any gang activity/markings found on campus properties, something that he chose to do on his own.  Off. Torres is constantly volunteering for over-time duties and is always willing to help out another officer with any questions/issues that they may encounter. Off. Torres is known to be extremely helpful and outgoing and it is because of this reason that he has become such an asset to the department.  In addition, Officer Torres has received Officer of the Month award in January, April and July of 2010.

For these reasons, as well as his dedication to the department, is why Off. Torres is being nominated for Officer of the Year.

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. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - December 2010

I am pleased to announce Cpl. Anthony Gallagher was selected as Officer of the Month for December 2010.

Cpl. Gallagher was chosen for his effort in putting together the Department’s 8th Annual Shop with a Cop Program which took place on Saturday, December 11th.  The program was a huge success in part through Cpl. Gallagher’s efforts. In order to help the program run smoothly, Cpl. Gallagher reached out to his established community contacts and established a good rapport for future events.  In the end, all of the families chosen were extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate. 

It is because of this reason that Cpl. Gallagher has been named Officer of the Month

Police Officer of the Month Award - November 2010

I am pleased to announce that Officer Mark Ferencin was selected as Officer of the Month for November 2010.

Officer Ferencin was nominated for this award for his assistance in apprehending the suspect at Stoughton Dorm on November 13, 2010 after brief altercation.  His quick response to the location prevented the suspect from committing further harm to others.

Officer Ferencin’s efforts to ensure the safety of the student’s at Stoughton is the reason why he has been selected for this award.  

Police Officer of the Month Award - October 2010

I am pleased to announce Officer Gregory Nolf has been nominated as Officer of the Month for October 2010.

Officer Nolf was nominated for his role in apprehending a suspect who was seen breaking into cars on Dravo Drive.  Off. Nolf’s quick response gave way to a foot chase which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect resulting in the victim positively identifying him as the offender.

Officer Nolf’s quick pursuit of the suspect exhibits his readiness to be a team player and it is for that reason that he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - September 2010

I am pleased to announce Cpl. Jim Connell has been nominated as Officer of the Month for September 2010.

Cpl. Connell was nominated for his resourcefulness and commitment in assisting Off. Torres with a vehicle break in on Morton Street.  When Off. Torres provided general information regarding the cars location, Cpl. Connell took the time to review the video tape surveillance footage and was able to locate the suspect and print a photo for investigation and distribution to both our department and BPD.  As a result of these efforts, the suspect was apprehended an hour later.

It is for the reasons stated above, as well as his quick thinking, that Cpl. Connell has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - August 2010

I am pleased to announce Cpl. Jim Christman has been nominated as Officer of the Month for August 2010.

Cpl. Christman was nominated for his effort and dedication in the beginning of the school year.  He took the initiative to update the Morse Watchman clock hits around campus together with the security guards to include the numerous hits in the Steps Building and at Fraternities/Sororities.  In addition, as a night patrol supervisor, he was active in educating the incoming freshman class and providing them with positive instruction.

Due to Cpl. Christman’s efforts, it demonstrates how much of an asset he is to this Department and it is for that reason he has been named officer of the month. 

Police Officer of the Month Award - July 2010

I am pleased to announce Officer John Torres has been nominated as Officer of the Month for July 2010.

Officer Torres was nominated for his role in apprehending an individual who caused damage to Lehigh Pub while patrolling the community in plain clothes.  Although the incident occurred off campus, Off. Torres did not hesitate to offer his assistance to the City of Bethlehem Police Department. 

Officer Torres demonstrates his willingness to be a team player on behalf of the Community Police Unit, and it is for that reason that he has been named officer of the month. 

Past Winners of the Officer of the Month Award

May 2010 - Off. Matthew Hyman
April 2010 - Sgt. Eric Smith & Off. John Torres
March 2010 - Cpl. James Connell
February 2010 - Cpl. Anthony Gallagher
January 2010 - Off. Greg Nolf & Off. John Torres