N.O.A.A. Award
December 6, 2007

The University Police Department has received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration “Honored Institution Award”. The award recognized UPD for 50 years participation in the Weather Observation program. Officer John Edds and Communications/Records Coordinator Fred Mills accepted the award for the department.

Historically, UPD officers took daily rainfall and temperature readings from the NOAA weather station located near Building 4, known for decades as the “Aero Hangar”. Police Dispatchers recorded the information and forwarded monthly reports to NOAA and the National Weather Service. UPD Parking Services also played a role, gathering and forwarding monthly reports regarding hourly precipitation. About four years ago, UPD Officer John Edds integrated computer and wireless communication technologies to facilitate automated, real-time reporting of weather data.

That data is accessible on the UPD website: www.police.calpoly.edu and is used by a variety of people and organizations. Data gathered by Weather Observers like the UPD supports forecast, warning and other public service programs of the National Weather Service. This data helps define America 's climate and are used in agricultural planning and assessment, engineering, environmental-impact assessments, utilities planning, and litigation.

The University is proud to join NOAA in recognizing UPD participation in this vital program.

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November 2007

Officer Max Schad received an award for his exemplary community service at the Elks Lodge Public Safety Appreciation Dinner.

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September 2007

At the Annual King David Masonic Lodge Officer Recognition night, Officer James Ude received an award for exemplary community service.

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University Police Department's Commuter and Access Services Receives the 2007 UC/CSU/CCC Sustainable Transportation Best Practice Award

This award is for increasing the percentage of non-drive alone rates to and within campus, and was given for our success with our Options campaign in which we increase the percentage of transit ridership, bicycling, and carpooling to campus.

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2006 National Law Enforcement Challenge

On October 15, 2007, The International Association of Chiefs of Police awarded the University Police Department, First place in the National Law Enforcement Challenge.

The National Challenge is awarded to agencies nation wide. The University Police Department was recognized as a leader in traffic safety.

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2006 California Law Enforcement Challenge

On September 13, 2007, The International Association of Chiefs of Police presented the University Police Department an award for its outstanding efforts in the California Law Enforcement Challenge Program. The California Law Enforcement Challenge is a competition between similar sizes and types of law enforcement agencies. Agencies are awarded for their best overall traffic safety programs in California . The areas of concentration include efforts to enforce laws, educate the public about vehicle occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding, and overall traffic safety.

This award was in recognition of the numerous presentations & prevention programs including our 2006 Pedestrian Crosswalk Campaign, partnerships, officer training, and participation in campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket,” “Driving Under The Influence (DUI)-Avoid the 14”, and “Drunk Driving-Over the Limit”.

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Cal Poly Recognized for Prestigious Award in the
Best Workplaces for Commuters SM Race to Excellence

  August 2006

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Susan Rains with the Gold level award in the 2006 Race to Excellence. The award highlights Ms. Rain's work promoting green commuting choices, commuter benefits, and the Best Workplaces for Commuters SM designation at Cal Poly. Winners were formally recognized at the Association for Commuter Transportation International Conference in Boston , Massachusetts , on August 29, 2006. Ira W. Leighton, Deputy Regional Administrator, EPA-New England was on hand to present the award.

In total, 56 organizations earned an award—19 Gold, 19 Silver, and 18 Bronze Level winners. “ The winners of the 2006 Race to Excellence are at the top of their class. These individuals and organizations are increasing the value of commuter benefits and ensuring that Best Workplaces for Commuters continues to grow as an innovative solution to air pollution and traffic congestion across the country”, said Patrice Thornton, national manager of the BWC Network. “It is truly amazing to see the level of enthusiasm and creativity on display among this year's winners.”

Ms. Rains is proud to have achieved Gold level status in the Race to Excellence. “Cal Poly's Commuter and Access Services Office will continue to work with Best Workplaces for Commuters SM and strive to promote commuting options and employer-provided commuter benefits.”