Upon becoming chief of University Police at UB, Gerald Schoenle has brought a high level of professionalism and has pushed the UPD to earn accreditation from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
The accreditation process for the University Police was completed after almost two years. In order to become accredited, the University Police identified policies that were outdated and re-wrote them to strengthen the department and security on campus.
UB community members have noticed the differences in security measures that Schoenle has implemented.
"When I first started working [at UB], there was a different police chief and a different police force because of it," said Dr. Sherri Darrow, director of Wellness Education Services. "Ever since [Schoenle] got on board, everything has [become] so fine. [UB] has a very respectable police force.
The UPD is currently the first and only SUNY Police Department to receive accreditation from the state.
"I suggest that [all SUNY Police Departments] should become accredited," Schoenle said. "It's a great process that makes [each organization] a better police department."
The accreditation program is comprised of 132 standards, which are divided into categories of administration, training and operations.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services has specific procedures and policies that adhere to what aere considered the best practices among police departments throughout the state.
Schoenle credited the University Police staff for pushing toward and embracing the changes to the department. Along with fellow officers, Schoenle developed 80 new policies and procedures and instituted a system that enables University Police officers to disseminate emergency warning via e-mail and the Internet.
During Schoenle's time at UB, the UPD has instituted a joint bike detail with the Buffalo Police Department, with officers patrolling Main Street throughout the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, the department has installed new lights, emergency phones and security cameras on South Campus with the help of University Facilities. They are hoping to bring such improvements to North Campus this year.
While Schoenle hopes to gain national accreditation next, UB University Police's accreditation has encouraged other SUNY institutions to seek accreditation.
"[The accreditation] says a lot about Schoenle," said Bart Ingersol, president of the SUNY Police Chief Association and chief of police at SUNY College at Oneonta. "[Schoenle] has an outstanding background in law enforcement and recognizes the value of accreditation. This is something that other police chiefs have wanted to do, but Schoenle has gotten it done and has everyone moving."
Schoenle holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice. He began his career as an aircraft maintenance specialist in the Air Force in the 1970s and served with the Buffalo Police Department from 1980 to 2000.
During his time at the Buffalo Police Department, Schoenle rose from patrolman to captain of communications and administration. Additionally, Schoenle served as director of public safety training for Erie County Central Police Services for five years and as assistant chief of Arlington, Texas for one year.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services accreditation allows the University to become better equipped to serve its community as per its mission statement.
"We deal with alcohol, drug use and sexual assault here at the Wellness Center and we have respectable partners at the police department," Darrow said. "They are respectable, responsible and pro-active. We're lucky, and the students are lucky."
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
