Building Trust Through Standards: What Accreditation at the UCPD Means for Our Community

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, UC Public Safety goes inside the world of police accreditation — what it means, why it matters, and how it strengthens trust, transparency, and professionalism. Chief of Staff John DeJarnette joins the conversation alongside Nicole Haberer, UCPD’s Clery Compliance Specialist, to discuss the University of Cincinnati Police Division’s continued commitment to excellence. After earning accreditation through International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) in 2019 and reaccreditation in 2023, UCPD is now pursuing accreditation through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. From the state level, Ed Burkhammer, Director of Law Enforcement Services with the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and Program Manager Charity Detty-Wingo explain how Ohio built a first-of-its-kind accreditation program designed to remove common barriers like cost, staffing, and access to resources — making high standards attainable for agencies of all sizes. Listeners will hear how accreditation goes beyond “checking a box.” The discussion explores: How outside assessors review policies, facilities, and training Why annual use-of-force analysis drives better officer training The importance of culture in sustaining excellence How accreditation supports officer wellness and accountability What this means for students, parents, faculty, and staff At its core, this episode highlights a shared commitment: ensuring the UC community is served by a police department that actively pursues best practices and continuous improvement. Whether you're a parent sending a student to campus, a member of the UC community, or simply interested in how law enforcement agencies elevate professional standards, this conversation offers an inside look at how UCPD is working to raise the bar — and keep it there.