On May 18, 2021, the MSU Texas Police Department received the designation of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. 

“This achievement is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the men and women of the MSU Texas Police Department and should serve to reassure our campus community that its police department is committed to upholding the highest standards of the law enforcement profession,” said Patrick Coggins, MSU Texas Chief of Police.

The recognition program, which started in 2006, evaluates a police department’s compliance with more than 168 best business practices for Texas law enforcement. These best practices, developed by Texas law enforcement professionals, assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual rights. The best business practices cover all aspects of law enforcement operations, including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

The recognition process required the MSU Texas Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of its policies, procedures, facilities, and operations. In 2020, the department began the lengthy process to become a “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement best business practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review were conducted. A final on-site review, conducted by trained police chiefs from other areas of the state, took place the week of May 10, 2021. The Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognition Committee completed the final analysis and made the decision to award "Recognized" status to the MSU Texas Police Department.

More information about the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org.