Campus Safety magazine named Craig Jaccuzzo, director of University Police, a national finalist for the annual Director of the Year award.

The award recognizes the police chiefs and emergency managers, hospital, school and university directors of public safety and security, who surpass the call of duty and demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, resourcefulness, selflessness and overall accomplishment.

Gary Tullis, University Police sergeant, nominated Jaccuzzo for the award. Tullis said he wanted Jaccuzzo to be recognized for his innovative efforts to improve University Police. Tullis explained that even with the budget cuts, Jaccuzzo has managed to get the department all of the necessary equipment.

“I have known him for a long time, and I have seen the things he’s done since he’s been here,” Tullis said.

Jaccuzzo is one of 15 finalists and according to the editor of Campus Safety magazine, the only finalist ever selected from Louisiana. Jaccuzzo said he is honored by the nomination.

“It is a reflection of all the things that have been accomplished here in the police department, and it is an honor to know that your employees notice the efforts made,” Jaccuzzo said. “Even with the struggles we have had financially with budget and equipment, we have still been able to accomplish things.”

Jaccuzzo’s recognized accomplishments include renovation and modernization of the campus police department. With Jaccuzzo as director of University Police, the department built a new facility, established new communications systems and standardized all equipment.

“We are advanced compared to any regional agencies from our portable devices to our computers,” Jaccuzzo said. “We started with a new facility, with radars and computers that were 10 years old, and now we have the current and updated equipment.”

Jaccuzzo also secured more grant money for University Police than anyone in the history of the department.

“We have had to deal with the significant budget cuts for the law enforcement of the state and the federal budget cuts,” Jaccuzzo said. “We had to compete with bigger agencies, with bigger crime statistics, and prove why we should be awarded the money.”

Jaccuzzo also authored legislation, which ultimately became law, requiring all sex offenders to register with University Police when they become students, volunteers or employees.

“In the eight years I have been here, that is what we have done to keep up with our counterparts and our peers,” Jaccuzzo said. “When you compare our agency on a national level, it puts us in the race with everyone else.”

Jaccuzzo also implemented new uniforms this semester for University Police officers.

“When I started here, I didn’t feel like the uniform reflected the University,” Jaccuzzo said. “I could not make it a priority because other pieces of equipment were more important at the time, but it’s about setting a goal and objective, and working until it is done.”

The uniform colors are now red, black and grey for Nicholls. The patch contains a saber to represent the Colonels, the Nicholls coat of arms, the American flag and the Louisiana flag. The patch and badge both have the year 1948, when the University was founded, and Elkins Hall because it is the oldest building on campus.

“Many agencies put generic patches, but our uniforms have been customized to be a reflection of the University,” Jaccuzzo said.

Jaccuzzo said he hopes for a safe semester for students, faculty and staff. He explained that students should be aware while drinking and going to bars.

“Make wise decisions when it comes to alcohol,” Jaccuzzo said. “Be responsible adults. We’re not teenagers anymore.”

Campus Safety magazine will announce the winner in the April/May issue. For additional information, visit CampusSafetyMagazine.com.