CANTON – SUNY Canton's University Police Department has received initial accreditation through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). It is the first time the department has sought or achieved voluntary accreditation. 

"Your participation in the accreditation program demonstrates the commitment you and your officers have to provide the highest level of service and professionalism to the community you serve," said Kea Cheever, Accreditation Program Coordinator, in a letter to University Police Chief Timothy M. Ashley. "You and all of the members of the SUNY Canton University Police are to be commended for this achievement." 

Ashley, who rejoined SUNY Canton University Police in 2022, said the accreditation process assesses a department against the highest standards of professionalism, aiming to enhance its ability to serve the college and the community effectively. Accreditation is also part of an ongoing SUNY-wide initiative. 

"I'm proud of this achievement and all of the University Police officers who continually contribute to our success as a department," Ashley said. "The college benefits from this achievement through a complete review and evaluation of the entire department. Our successful completion further demonstrates our commitment to the safety and security of our campus." 

To successfully achieve DCJS accreditation, the department must demonstrate high levels of excellence and professionalism in law enforcement by meeting 111 best practice standards. University Police hosted an Office of Public Safety assessment team for an on-site review. 

The college's University Police Department employs nine members in addition to Ashley, including lieutenants Brian E. Kurish and Tyler C. Thomas and officers Dale W. Hutchins, Tammy J. LaPage Avery, David J. Cummings, Joseph E. Kubinski, Benjamin A. Dent, Joshua T. Eng, and Jacob Pitcher. It also has a dedicated Office Assistant, Michael J. Smith. It is a part of SUNY Canton's Administrative Affairs Division, overseen by Vice President for Administration and CFO Shawn K. Miller. 

"I extend my congratulations to Chief Ashley and the entire SUNY Canton University Police Department on successfully meeting the guidelines outlined by the DCJS," Miller said. "The achievement underscores their unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to ensuring a safe and secure campus environment for our students, faculty, staff and community members." 

The State's Law Enforcement Accreditation Council has exclusive authority to grant accreditation to law enforcement agencies. It is granted for five years.