By Carly Shaia

Special to The Farmville Herald

Throughout a student’s day, anyone on campus can walk and pass multiple blue poles labeled “emergency.” These blue poles are emergency lines to the Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) with a rapid response to any emergency. Along with these blue beacons, the LUPD offers numerous ways to keep students safe and informed.

On Feb. 22, Longwood University announced in a press release that the police department gained accreditation through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.

According to the release, the newly accredited department is now part of a select few stations “held by less than a third of the law enforcement agencies in the state.” The official accreditation was awarded on Feb. 17.

“It takes a great deal of coordinated effort to maintain the standards required of this distinction,” said Longwood Chief of Police Col. Robert Beach in the release.

According to the release, in order to receive accreditation, the department “must meet nearly 200 standards for efficient and effective agency operations.” Lt. Ray Ostrander believes the department was able to receive the certificate through hard work.

“We are transparent and abide by our policies,” Ostrander said.

Through the LUPD’s numerous programs, the department hopes to maintain its efforts and keep the accreditation. “(The job) is never done,” said Ostrander.

According to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website, Longwood University is one of only two universities to have received this auspicious accreditation. The only other university in the state to maintain the status is the Radford University Police Department under the direction of Chief Colleen Roberts.

Among the surrounding five counties, LUPD joins Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office as accredited organizations.

“I am extremely proud of all of our officers and staff for their professionalism and expertise,” said Beach.