ACC Police Chief Frankie Waller

Frankie Waller thought he had hung up his holster for good when he retired as assistant director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. He began his law enforcement career 33 years earlier, joining DPS as a patrolman and eventually administering the programs of the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, criminal intelligence, narcotics, motor vehicle theft investigations, crime laboratories, aircraft operations, and the governor’s security before retiring in 2003.

“I was a poster boy for retirement,” recalls Waller. “Each day I made a list of fun things to do, and the next day I made a new list. I was not looking for a job.”

But in June of 2006, Waller got a call that took him out of retirement. The ACC Police Department needed a new chief, and one of the college’s criminal justice professors recommended Waller take the position temporarily. Waller agreed – and six months later, he accepted the position on a permanent basis.

“It’s gratifying to combine law enforcement service with ACC’s mission of providing access to quality, affordable education,” says Chief Waller. “What we do here truly makes a difference. We want to ensure that students, faculty, and staff have a safe college environment and feel secure.”

Throughout Chief Waller’s tenure, he has focused on a commitment to excellence and accountability. While attending a conference hosted by the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Waller learned about a program that recognizes agencies for adhering to “best practices” in law enforcement. Chief Waller discussed the accreditation program with his officers, and ACC PD began the year-long process of applying for recognition.

The department undertook an internal review of all its policies, procedures, and operations. ACC PD had already worked to improve its practices in recent years, and through the accreditation process was able to further fine tune those practices. An outside review team confirmed the department’s compliance and noted that ACC made any necessary modifications in record time.

The Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation committee then awarded ACC PD with “Recognized Status,” indicating that the department meets or exceeds all of the identified best practices for Texas law enforcement, in areas such as patrol operations and investigations.

“We have addressed the most critical law enforcement issues in both policy and actual operations,” says Chief Waller. “This translates to greater safety, greater security, and protection of individual rights.”

ACC PD is the 19^th recognized law enforcement agency statewide and the first community college police force in Texas to receive this recognition. James McLaughlin, executive director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, calls the department a leader in professional law enforcement.

“The Austin Community College Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frankie Waller, has demonstrated it is a professional agency in every sense of the word,” says McLaughlin.

Chief Waller notes that the accreditation itself is only part of the reward.

“Achieving a place in history as the ‘first’ in any worthwhile professional endeavor is a special moment,” says Chief Waller. “But enhancing the ability of the department to provide for a safe and secure environment for all ACC stakeholders is the most important achievement.”

The pride in this accomplishment goes beyond the ACC Police Department.

“This recognition is a reflection of the ACC Police Department and the excellence we strive for throughout the college,” says Dr. Mary Hensley, executive vice president of college operations. “The dedication of Chief Waller, Assistant Chief Lynn Dixon, the department’s sworn officers, and support staff is an integral part of ACC’s success.”

ACC PD, which maintains offices at each of the college’s seven campuses, will be recognized at the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s annual conference next April. But earning “Recognized Status” isn’t the end of the story. To keep its recognized status, ACC PD must submit annual reports showing continued compliance with best practices standards and undergo a re-accreditation evaluation every four years. And that’s just fine with Chief Waller.

“We remain committed to continually evaluating and improving our department,” says Chief Waller. “It’s not something we do simply for recognition. Providing the college with quality community service is extremely rewarding.”

So rewarding that retirement can wait.