The University of Alabama Police Department Communications Division has received Agency Training Program Accreditation, a Project 33® Initiative, from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, recognizing the division’s commitment to nationally recognized training standards for public safety telecommunicators.
UAPD is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the State of Alabama — and one of only two university police departments nationwide — to receive this recognition for excellence in training.
“As a department, UAPD remains firmly committed to ensuring our personnel receive the highest level of training so we can continue delivering top-tier service to the faculty, staff, students and guests of The University of Alabama,” said UAPD Captain Jeff Nabors, who oversees police communications. “This accreditation reflects that commitment.”
APCO’s Agency Training Program Accreditation serves as a formal mechanism for public safety agencies to ensure their communications programs meet APCO American National Standards, which focus on consistency, professionalism and effectiveness when managing emergency and non-emergency calls.
“The required materials to meet national standards are strict and important for consistency in how emergency calls are handled,” said UA Police Communications Supervisor Calvin Kimbrow.
Kimbrow, along with now-retired Police Communications Officer Melissa Bailey, set a goal to earn accreditation for the Communications Division, recognizing the value of standardized, high-quality training for police telecommunicators.
To achieve accreditation, the Communications Division submitted its complete training curriculum to APCO International for review. APCO evaluated the materials to ensure the curriculum provides all required content and properly documents a trainee’s demonstration of decision-making and psychomotor skills outlined in national standards.
“We hold these standards in high regard when it comes to the safety of our campus community,” Kimbrow said. “Achieving this accreditation demonstrates our division’s dedication and pride in answering every call for service while supporting the University’s commitment to a safe and secure campus.”
“Meeting the expectations of this University requires dedication, professionalism, and continued growth, and our team has embraced that challenge wholeheartedly,” Nabors said. “This honor reflects the unwavering professionalism of the employees of UAPD.”