Rowan PD achieves CALEA accreditation for a record fifth time
Rowan PD achieves CALEA accreditation for a record fifth time
June 24, 2025
For an unprecedented fifth time, the Rowan Police Department has earned accreditation from CALEA, considered the "gold standard" for public safety agencies in the U.S.
For an unprecedented fifth time, the Rowan University Police Department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
Considered the “gold standard” for public safety agencies in the United States, CALEA accreditation requires departments to adhere to the same standards as the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation.
In 2011, the department was the first department at college or university in New Jersey to earn CALEA accreditation. Since then, Rowan has been reaccredited four times—the most of any higher education police department in the state.
The agency also is accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), which sets forth the highest professional standards for campus law enforcement and protective services.
“The Rowan Police Department takes great pride in our dual accreditation with CALEA and IACLEA,” says Interim Police Chief Rachel Baum.
“Our accreditation status represents a commitment to excellence, transparency and accountability. Achieving CALEA accreditation for a fifth time demonstrates our dedication to adhering to best practices while ensuring that our policies and procedures are aligned with the highest national standards.”
According to CALEA, the reaccreditation process focuses on standards that provide best practices related to life, health and safety procedures for the agency. Such standards are considered foundational for contemporary law enforcement agencies, according to CALEA.
“The CALEA reaccreditation not only enhances the professionalism of our officers but also helps to build trust within the Rowan community,” Baum says.
The department, which includes 35 sworn police officers serving campuses in Glassboro and Stratford, has been a leader in law enforcement and public safety excellence for decades.
In addition to being the first department at a New Jersey institution to achieve CALEA accreditation, the department in 2015, also was the first to require officers to wear body cameras.
Last fall, Rowan Police launched RowanSafe, free app designed to provide safety resources at users’ fingertips.
The department responded to more than 49,000 calls for service across all campuses last year.