CLC Police Department becomes first community college department to achieve state accreditation
The College of Lake County Police Department recently received accreditation from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP), becoming the first fully-sworn community college police department in Illinois to earn the credential.
At the Feb. 26 meeting of the CLC Board of Trustees, Des Plaines Police Chief William Kushner, vice president at large for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, presented a framed accreditation certificate to CLC Police Chief Tom Guenther.
"Our department is extremely honored to be recognized by ILEAP," said Chief Guenther. "ILEAP is recognized as the gold standard in Illinois for police accreditation. Meeting their standards demonstrates that our department has achieved a level of professionalism among its law enforcement peers and validates the methods of service our members provide to the community in which they serve."
As part of the accreditation process, a team of assessors visited the college in late November, evaluating the department on the basis of 69 ILEAP standards regarding administration, operations, personnel and training, Chief Guenther said. Additionally, the public provided comments on the department's ability to meet ILEAP standards.
In addition to improving the department's relationship with the college community, accreditation improves accountability while limiting liability and risk exposure, Chief Guenther added.
The ILEAP accreditation is the latest in a series of accolades for the CLC Police Department over the past 12 months. Last year, it became the nation's first, among two-year colleges with a fully sworn police department, to receive accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The CLC Police Department also received an Agency Preparedness Award from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System. Additionally, the department was a finalist for a safety and planning award from the American Association of Community Colleges.
"To be one of the most highly accredited and awarded community college police departments in the nation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication by our officers and all members of our team," said Guenther.
Learn more about the CLC Police Department at www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/depts/sec.
About College of Lake County:
College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses
in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes,provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We're proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County. For more information, visit www.clcillinois.edu.