Brandeis Magazine

Brandeis University police have achieved certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, a distinction held by only a select group of university police departments in Massachusetts. The certification is recognition that Brandeis ranks among the state’s leaders in adherence to professional public-safety standards, transparency and campus safety.

To qualify, Brandeis police had to meet 179 guidelines regarding policies, training, ethical conduct, emergency planning and accountability. The process involved peer review, campus collaboration and a continued focus on building trust within the Brandeis community.

“It’s an affirmation of the professionalism and dedication of our public safety team,” says Stewart Uretsky, executive vice president for finance and administration. “Our police department has embraced best practices; collaborated across campus; and demonstrated a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. This is a proud moment for Brandeis.”

The accomplishment reflects a shared campus effort, says Matthew Rushton, chief of police and interim associate vice president for public safety and campus operations.

“Our success was made possible by the support of campus partners and the trust of the Brandeis community,” he says. “This recognition isn’t just about meeting standards — it represents our commitment to building a safe, welcoming and respectful campus environment.”

Brandeis police will undergo periodic reviews and receive a full reassessment in three years.

Continual improvement is the department’s guiding philosophy, Rushton says: “We see certification as a foundation, not a finish line. Every standard we meet, every practice we strengthen and every relationship we build make our community stronger.”