“The fundamental mission of the university police force is to provide the leadership and professional support required to sustain and improve the University System’s efforts to develop a balanced police-University community effort against any lawlessness or disorderly conduct which could interfere with the general missions of the University System. As such, the UMKC Police Department is an essential university partner promoting a safe and orderly learning environment and enhanced quality of life with a reduction of crime, social disorder and fear of crime.”
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department has received first-time accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
Accreditation is not required of university and college police departments. Less than three percent of college and university police departments are accredited. To obtain the accreditation, Officer John Sulzer gathered data and compiled reports over a period of more than a year. The process also included a three-day on-site assessment.
“The department pursued accreditation as a means to assure the public, parents and university community that your campus police agency adheres to the highest professional standards,” Sulzer said.
Chief Michael Bongartz, who has served the UMKCPD since 1987, was appointed chief in January 2009.
“Accreditation is a means by which we monitor, assess, and evaluate the standards and professionalism of our department,” Bongartz said. “We provide a multitude of different services to the campus and community. Accreditation holds us accountable to the community we serve.”
The UMKC Police Department was formed in 1971 from what was the Traffic and Safety Department that was started in 1963. UMKCPD is a full-service law enforcement agency that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The staff is comprised of 28 sworn positions and 13 civilian positions (6 dispatchers and 7 security officers).
UMKCPD has a memorandum of understanding with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Both agencies work closely together to provide the university and the community with the best possible protection.
Located in the northwest corner of the Cherry Street Parking Structure, the UMKCPD office space includes a large training area, evidence-processing area and temporary detention and processing areas. The agency is divided into two major functional areas. Support Operations, commanded by Capt. Joseph Rucinski, houses the professional standards, communication, training, property/evidence, crime prevention/victim assistance and criminal investigation functions. Patrol Operations, commanded by Capt. Donald Simmons, includes all patrol and security (non-sworn) functions.
The UMKC Police Department can be reached by calling 816-235-1515 or 911 on campus.
