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Stafford, a 15-year GW employee, was recognized as Campus Safety Director of the Year by Campus Safety Magazine because she succeeded in "transforming her department's personnel, mission and level of service," the magazine said. They cited the creation of 4-RIDE as one of many programs that Stafford helped implement.
Stafford said she was proud to receive the award but stressed the importance of her entire department.
"This award is deceiving because it's a team effort in what we do here in creating a professional law enforcement agency on campus," Stafford said. "I'm lucky to have assembled a great group of officers, supervisors and managers."
Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, said Stafford's accomplishments are impressive given the extent of GW's expansion in recent years. He said she has worked within her budget to maximize efficiency in the school's police force.
"UPD has become much more professionalized," Chernak said.
He added that the department has progressed immensely in her tenure, evidenced by increased officer training and UPD's national accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. UPD is among the 1 percent of university police departments that receives CALEA accreditation. The department has gone from 50 percent compliance in 2001 to 80 percent this year.
Master Patrol Officer Christopher Gearhart said UPD's accreditation is a result of Stafford's dedication to improving the department.
"She's willing to change things, and she realizes in a police department it's necessary to change," Gearhart said. "If change is presented to her, she's not one to push it aside and reviews it from all angles."
Gearhart said he has seen a dramatic change in UPD in the six years he has worked in the department. He said Stafford's "community policing" style has been well-received by students and faculty.
