Union Pacific Railroad Police Receive Prominent CALEA Accreditation

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific Railroad's Police and Security team recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), joining a prominent group recognized for complying with the highest law enforcement standards. To date, only 17 percent of U.S. law enforcement agencies have earned CALEA accreditation.

CALEA is a systematic process that internally reviews and assesses policies and procedures to meet internationally accepted standards. Since the first CALEA Accreditation Award granted in 1984, the program has become the primary method to voluntarily demonstrate a commitment to excellence in law enforcement. During the three-year CALEA process, the Union Pacific Police and Security team was required to meet 188 standards.

"The CALEA accreditation process allowed us to reflect on and strengthen departmental processes," said Bob Morrison, Union Pacific chief of police. "Adherence to nearly 190 standards requires a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. We are proud to earn CALEA accreditation and remain dedicated to the highest standard in public safety as we protect the Union Pacific rail network."

The railroad police force was formed in the mid-1800s when the number of U.S. Marshals was insufficient to guard America's growing rail system. Today, Union Pacific employs more than 200 special agents who have primary jurisdiction over crimes committed against the railroad. This selected team is responsible for all Union Pacific locations across 32,000 miles of track in 23 states.

The reaccreditation process repeats after three years, pending another successful on-site assessment and hearing before the Commission.

CALEA was established in 1979 as a result of combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research Fund (PERF) to establish a law enforcement credentialing authority.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested approximately $30 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific  serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

Union Pacific media contact: Elizabeth Hutchison, [email protected] or 402-544-8433.

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SOURCE Union Pacific