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CLC Police Department invites public comment during state accreditation visit

A team from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) will visit the College of Lake County Nov. 26 and 27 to determine if the CLC Police Department qualifies for ILEAP's top-level accreditation. If granted, CLC's department would be the first community college police in Illinois to receive ILEAP accreditation.

CLC's Police Department will be evaluated on the basis of 69 ILEAP standards regarding administration, operations, personnel and training, said CLC Police Chief Tom Guenther.

In order to complete the accreditation process, two ILEAP assessors, Lt. Jeff Hamer of the McComb Police Department and Lt. Sara Balmes of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, will conduct an on-site assessment of the CLC Police Department. Agency personnel, elected officials and members of the community are invited to offer comments during a public information call-in session from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at (847) 848-1119. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department's ability to meet the ILEAP accreditation standards.

"Accreditation 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," Chief Guenther said. "ILEAP is recognized as the gold standard in Illinois for police accreditation, so I am excited that our department will be the first of its kind in in Illinois to be considered for ILEAP accreditation."

In addition to improving the CLC Police Department's relationship with the college community, accreditation improves accountability while limiting liability and risk exposure, Chief Guenther added.

In July, the department became the nation's first, among two-year colleges with a fully sworn police department, to receive initial accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The credential recognizes the department's professionalism, policies, procedures, facilities and equipment.

To learn more about the CLC Police Department, visit 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.

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