Of the more than 1,100 law enforcement agencies in the state, The University of Georgia Police Department is one of only 124 law enforcement agencies certified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, 2016).

The University of Georgia Police Department achieved its initial state certification in 2007. Being a state certified agency means the University of Georgia Police Department is committed to following a set of standards established as best practices by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. This commitment requires the agency to open its records and facilities every three years to a team of assessors from outside agencies. These assessors critically examine the agency by way of inspecting files and records, police vehicle fleets, communications centers, and evidence and property control functions to ensure that our policies and procedures meet or exceed acceptable law enforcement practices.