Villanova University Department of Public Safety Earns Re-Accreditation from Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission

VILLANOVA, Pa. (November 10, 2025) - Villanova University's Department of Public Safety has once again earned reaccreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC), marking the department's third consecutive recognition for its professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement in law enforcement. First accredited in 2019, Villanova is among only a handful of university and college police departments in Pennsylvania to achieve and maintain this distinction.

Accreditation is a voluntary process requiring agencies to meet rigorous benchmarks established by PLEAC in areas such as operations, administration and community engagement. As part of the reaccreditation process, the Department of Public Safety underwent a comprehensive site inspection in July 2025, during which PLEAC assessors reviewed policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with Commission standards.

"Reaccreditation by PLEAC demonstrates Villanova's continued dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety, professionalism and accountability," said David Tedjeske, Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police at Villanova. "This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team to serve the Villanova community with integrity and care."

The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association established the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program in 2001 to promote professionalization statewide. Since its inception, more than 375 agencies have enrolled in the program, with 194 currently maintaining accredited status.

Accreditation provides a credible framework for evaluating agency practices and procedures while promoting continuous improvement. Benefits of the program include enhanced community relations and greater accountability to institutional and public stakeholders. It also reinforces confidence, encourages problem-solving and fosters a culture of innovation and excellence within each department.

Villanova's Department of Public Safety operates 24/7, providing comprehensive police, safety, security and emergency response services to the University community. The department is composed of more than 75 members, including sworn police officers and safety officers.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit https://www.villanova.edu.