TSU PD earns state accreditation, continues commitment to campus safety

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News) – Tennessee State University’s Police Department has recently earned accreditation that aligns with best practices in law enforcement and ensures the safety of all students, faculty, and staff across campus. The accreditation was granted by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program, a recognition from the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) Board of Directors Professional Standards Committee.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen campus safety.

TSU Chief of Police Greg Robinson

Chief Greg Robinson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police at TSU, emphasized the profound impact of the accreditation on the university’s safety initiatives. “This accreditation means so much to the positive success of institutions like TSU,” Robinson said. “It signifies that we have adopted the industry’s best standards and practices when it comes to training and implementing safety measures on campus.”

According to Lt. Chris Jones, a member of the TACP who helped oversee the accreditation process, TSU is now one of only 10 public universities in Tennessee to receive this prestigious honor.

Last year, the TSU Police Department saw a 20% reduction in crime, Robinson added. “Achieving accreditation shows that we are meeting national standards to continue improving campus safety.”

TSU PD intern Trinity Vann of Alabama has witnessed first-hand the dedication of the officers and the efforts that led to this accreditation. “I can tell that TSU Police Officers are passionate about their jobs, and they work very hard. So, I do feel that this is a very well-deserved accreditation,” Vann said, who is a senior studying criminal justice.

TSU PD intern Trinity Vann

She stated that she feels safe walking across campus to her classes and sees the accreditation as further reassurance. “It’s important because it shows that we do have people that are working here that care about the safety of not just the students, but also the teachers and the other faculty members. This accolade shows that there is a group of people who are not just doing their job, but they care about the work that they’re doing.”

Robinson noted that TSU’s Police Department, which employs 26 full-time sworn officers, has worked diligently toward this accreditation for the past three years. This recognition is the first in the department’s history.

“When a department becomes accredited, it means you have adopted the industry’s standards and best practices from across the country,” Robinson said. As part of this accreditation, TSU will continue reviewing its policies, procedures, technology, and training to provide a safe environment for its community.

TSU security, police during Fall 2024 move in day.

In addition to the reduction in crime, TSU has made significant investments in safety infrastructure, including upgraded lighting and enhancements to the Code Blue Emergency towers across campus. These towers provide direct access to the TSU Police Department for emergencies. Currently, there are nearly 30 of these call boxes on campus.

Chief Robinson looks forward to the department increasing campus safety awareness, hosting education seminars, and continuing participation in active shooter training.

“The goal is to continue keeping our faculty, students, and staff safe while minimizing any threats or risks to our university,” he said. “We will enhance our coverage and visibility by adding more officers and security measures.”

TSU security guards on campus bikes to ensure campus safety. The university continues to enhance these measures as part of its commitment to becoming ‘future-ready.

Robinson also highlighted that the accreditation opens doors for additional grant opportunities to strengthen the department’s resources.

“We put in a lot of work to become viable enough to achieve this,” he said. “Personally, this accreditation means everything. It shows the dedication and sacrifices made by the men and women of this department to reach such a high level. We are committed to sustaining compliance with the best techniques to maintain a safe environment, which has already contributed to the reduction of crime on campus.”

This accreditation status has been awarded for a three-year period ending September 2027.

This effort highlights TSU’s commitment to becoming a ‘future-ready’ university by advancing its safety measures and security efforts, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff feel safe and supported throughout their academic journeys.

For more information on TSU’s Police Department visit www.tnstate.edu/police.