The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Police Department is a law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on the UCA campus. Located in Conway, Arkansas, the UCA Police Department is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community policing.
History of the UCA Police Department
The UCA Police Department was established in 1971 as a small security force with a handful of officers. Over the years, the department has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the university community. Today, the UCA Police Department is a fully accredited law enforcement agency with a sworn force of over 30 officers, including a chief, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and patrol officers.
Mission and Vision
The UCA Police Department's mission is to provide a safe and secure environment that supports the academic and personal success of the university community. The department's vision is to be a model for excellence in campus law enforcement, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration with the community.Services and Programs
The UCA Police Department offers a range of services and programs to promote safety and security on campus, including:
- Patrol operations: Uniformed officers patrol the campus 24/7, responding to calls for service, enforcing laws and regulations, and providing assistance to the community.
- Investigations: The department's investigative unit conducts thorough investigations into crimes and incidents, working closely with other law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor's office.
- Crime prevention: The UCA Police Department offers crime prevention programs and services, including self-defense classes, safety presentations, and crime awareness campaigns.
- Community policing: The department fosters relationships with the university community through community policing initiatives, such as coffee with a cop, police ride-alongs, and citizen police academies.
- Emergency response: The UCA Police Department responds to emergency situations, including medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters.
Emergency Response Plan
The UCA Police Department has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place to address potential threats and hazards on campus. The plan includes procedures for responding to emergencies, such as active shooter situations, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.Training and Professional Development
The UCA Police Department is committed to providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities for its officers. The department participates in regional and national training programs, including:
- Annual in-service training: Officers receive annual training on topics such as firearms, first aid, and crisis intervention.
- Advanced training: Officers can participate in advanced training programs, such as SWAT, crisis negotiation, and forensic science.
- Professional development: The department encourages officers to pursue higher education and professional certifications, such as the Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) program.
Accreditation and Recognition
The UCA Police Department is accredited by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). The department has also received recognition for its community policing efforts, including the IACLEA Community Policing Award.Community Engagement
The UCA Police Department is committed to engaging with the university community through various programs and initiatives, including:
- Coffee with a cop: Officers meet with students, faculty, and staff over coffee to discuss concerns and build relationships.
- Police ride-alongs: Community members can participate in police ride-alongs to gain a better understanding of law enforcement operations.
- Citizen police academies: The department offers citizen police academies to provide an in-depth look at law enforcement procedures and policies.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The UCA Police Department partners with other law enforcement agencies, including the Conway Police Department, the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office, and the Arkansas State Police. The department also collaborates with university departments, such as student affairs, residence life, and facilities management.Gallery of UCA Police Department
What is the mission of the UCA Police Department?
+The mission of the UCA Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment that supports the academic and personal success of the university community.
What services does the UCA Police Department offer?
+The UCA Police Department offers a range of services, including patrol operations, investigations, crime prevention, community policing, and emergency response.
How can I contact the UCA Police Department?
+You can contact the UCA Police Department by calling (501) 450-3111 or by visiting our office in the Police Department building on campus.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the University of Central Arkansas Police Department. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.