The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the largest gathering of campus public safety leaders in the world, brings nearly 500 members and guests to Reno next week for its 54th Annual Conference, hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno and its Police Services.

The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Conference, held June 15-19, primarily at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, features educational programs, general sessions, an awards presentation, an exhibit hall, special events, the annual business meeting, installation of officers and more.

University Police will hold an open house and tour at the campus police station at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, June 17 for international delegates.

"The University and the proud men and women of the University of Nevada, Reno Police Services are pleased to serve as the host department and institution for the association's annual conference this year," said University of Nevada, Reno Chief of Police Adam Garcia. "I hope visitors to Reno and area residents alike will find a wealth of opportunities to make the conference experience both professionally and personally rewarding."

The association was initially formed by 11 college and university security directors. The directors came together in 1958 on the campus of Arizona State University to discuss job challenges and mutual problems, and specifically to create a clearinghouse for information and issues shared by campus directors across the country.

Today, its membership represents more than 1,200 colleges and universities located in 20 countries. In addition to colleges and universities, which are institutional members, individual memberships are held by campus law enforcement staff members, criminal justice faculty members and municipal chiefs of police. Current membership is more than 2,200.

The University's Police Services is a fully functional law enforcement agency with 20 officers who have full police powers, certified under the laws of the State of Nevada. Garcia, who has been chief of the University's Police Services since 2000, says the department's services go far beyond patrolling and enforcing the law. The officers patrol 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, enforcing all local, state and federal laws and ordinances within the jurisdiction of the University. This includes not only the main University of Nevada, Reno campus, but also all properties owned, operated or governed by the University, including Greek houses, extension campuses and multiple sites throughout the state.

"We believe that in order to create a safe, cooperative environment, we must fully inform the campus community about policies and best practices regarding safety and security, and we must provide programs and services that align with our objective of making our campus a safe place to live, study and work," Garcia said. "This conference is not only a great example of how the University supports the economy and tourism, it is also a great way for our department to keep abreast of new ideas and to find creative ways to meet the challenges on our various campuses."

The department also works in cooperation with all regional law enforcement agencies through official agreements for mutual assistance and reaches out to partner with other community organizations and businesses, and community efforts, such as the DUI Task Force and Join Together Northern Nevada, a coalition of concerned citizens working to address substance abuse issues in Washoe County. Garcia said that it is this community-oriented policing philosophy that drives his team of officers, reserve officers, cadets and civilian staff.

"From our officers to our administrative staff, we have embraced this community-oriented philosophy. I think that is really the hallmark of our success and what I am most proud of," he said.

For more about the conference, see the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.