Just months after Police Chief Aaron Murray took the helm, the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department earned reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, affirming its continued commitment to professional standards, accountability and service. The achievement marks an important milestone as the department introduces a series of improvements under Murray’s leadership, including expanded training, new technology and a renewed focus on community engagement.
Murray, who joined Florida Poly in January, assisted the accreditation manager in guiding the department through the final phase of the rigorous reaccreditation process while advancing initiatives designed to strengthen operations and better serve the University’s growing campus. The voluntary assessment requires agencies to demonstrate compliance with hundreds of standards related to accountability, operations, training and professional conduct.
“Accreditation elevates the standards within a department and the services it provides,” he said. “Being part of an accredited agency is a morale booster because officers know they’re part of something bigger.”
Since taking charge at Florida Poly, Murray has focused on building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The department has upgraded its training by moving from a mostly annual online format to weekly in-person sessions, and actively encourages officers to contribute ideas and help shape the agency’s direction.
“I know that all of our brains at this department work better together than mine alone,” Murray said. “We empower everybody here to share their thoughts and ideas because that helps us better serve our campus community.”
At the University, the reaccreditation is seen as a reflection of the department’s strong foundation and its significant role in supporting student success.
“Under Chief Murray’s leadership, the department is embracing forward-thinking strategies that both enhance campus safety and deepen engagement with our students, reinforcing the kind of dynamic, supportive community that defines Florida Poly,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president. “I’m incredibly proud of the progress this team has made in such a short time. Their commitment to excellence and service is helping establish our University Police Department as a leader in modern campus safety.”
One of the department’s most visible additions is its new Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. Murray brought to Florida Poly experience he gained while serving as police chief at Northwest Florida State College, where he launched one of the nation’s first college drone programs with drone expert Michael Traylor. Traylor is now director of public safety technology and aviation programs at Florida Poly.
The specialized drone unit currently includes five aircraft, including thermal imaging drones.
Murray said the drones allow officers to monitor major campus events, locate individuals in heavily wooded areas, and quickly photograph traffic accidents and assess incident scenes. The program also reflects Florida Poly’s identity as a high-tech university, he said.
“We’re a STEM university, so technology is part of who we are,” Murray said. “The drones help us do our jobs more effectively while giving us another way to connect with students who are passionate about technology.”
The department’s modernization also extends to its facilities. Florida Poly Police recently moved into a new headquarters that provides dedicated training space and, for the first time, secure on-site property and evidence storage.
With those enhancements in place, Murray is continuing to build a strong team. The department is recruiting two police officers to reach its full 14-member staffing level, which includes 11 sworn officers. He said he is looking for experienced officers who can thrive in a campus setting and build relationships with students, faculty and staff.
“A university environment is a little different,” he said. “You must have people who are approachable, engaging and enjoy participating in community events.”
Caroline Renew, the department’s accreditation manager, said Murray’s leadership has transformed both the agency’s culture and its vision for the future.
“Our new chief is thinking big, way beyond what we thought this agency was capable of,” Renew said. “Between the newly secured state reaccreditation, strong campus relationships and the drone program, the positive cultural shift here is visible to everyone.”
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Lydia Guzmán
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