STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The Tarleton State University Police Department recently renewed its Best Practices accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
The Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices Accreditation Program is a voluntary process in which Texas police agencies are evaluated for their compliance with 170 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices encompassing all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.
These Best Practices were developed by Texas law enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service, the reduction of risk and the protection of individual rights.
“Tarleton State University leads the way in many areas, and Tarleton State PD is no exception,” said University Police Chief Matt Welch. “We are proud to be the first and only department in our county to achieve this distinction. Adhering to universally recognized best practices helps to ensure the public trust for our Tarleton State community.”
The Tarleton State Police Department first became accredited in 2020 and continues to be the only police agency in Erath County with this accreditation, with the nearest accredited agencies being in Comanche and Cleburne. Out of more than 2,800 police departments in Texas, just 211 are accredited by the TPCA.
The TPCA is a statewide law enforcement administrator’s organization founded in 1958 to promote, encourage, and advance the professional development of chiefs of police and senior police management personnel. Find out more at https://www.texaspolicechiefs.org/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.