SUNY Oswego’s University Police Department took first place in the college and university category of the 2015 National Law Enforcement Challenge, the International Association of Chiefs of Police has announced.

Cornell University police came in second, and the University of Maryland police took third place honors.

This is the third consecutive year that Oswego’s University Police has been selected as a national winner—and the first time it has come in first—in the competition. The National Law Enforcement Challenge is a traffic safety awards program that recognizes excellent law enforcement traffic safety programs.

Police departments are judged on their department policies and guidelines, training of officers, incentives and recognition, public information and education, enforcement activity, and effectiveness of efforts in the areas of speed enforcement, occupant restraint, driving while intoxicated enforcement, and state or local issues. The local issue highlighted was distracted driving.

The award will be presented at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference scheduled for Oct. 24 to 27 in Chicago.

SUNY Oswego University Police Chief John Rossi and Assistant Chief Kevin Velzy thanked all of the University Police officers for their hard work and dedication to making the SUNY Oswego community safe. SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley told them, “This is a terrific recognition of your excellent care for and expert focus on keeping our campus community protected and safe. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team.”