Law Enforcement Accreditation

University of Kentucky Police Department was first awarded State accreditation by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police in January 1996 and received its last re-accreditation in 2024.

The accreditation program gives the University of Kentucky Police the tools necessary to ensure that all policies and procedures conform to the most up-to-date professional law enforcement standards and best practices. State accreditation through the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) is not mandatory. Participation demonstrates the University of Kentucky Police Department's commitment to professional excellence to the University community. The overall goal of the accreditation program is to promote professionalism and improve the delivery of law enforcement services.  KACP requires that each agency be re-evaluated for accreditation every 4 years.

• Provides a means of independent evaluation of the agency operations.
• Provides a basis to correct deficiencies in the agency's operations before they become public problems.
• Requires the agency to commit policy and procedures to writing and keep them updated.
• Provides a norm for agency to judge its performance.
• Reduces liability insurance costs.
• Promotes accountability among agency personnel and the evenhanded application of policies.
• Enhances the reputation of agency, thereby helping to attract the most qualified candidates for employment.
• Minimizes the agency's exposure to liability, which reduces vicarious liability suits.
• Builds stronger defense against lawsuits and citizen complaints.
• Increases community confidence in the police department.
• Recognition for meeting standards of excellence.

For more information about KACP accreditation, please click here.