Seven POLC-represented law enforcement agencies along with the Michigan Attorney General‘s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) were granted accreditation by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC).

Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Feb. 6, 2024 that 12 agencies earned the MLEAC accreditation following a hearing hosted during the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) annual professional development conference. Previously, only 65 of the state's 580 law enforcement agencies had achieved accreditation.

“The MLEAC accreditation represents the gold standard for law enforcement agencies in Michigan and I am immeasurably proud of the work my Department undertook to receive this certification,” Nessel said. "This achievement demonstrates our steadfast dedication to the highest levels of professionalism and excellence in law enforcement. I have no doubt that this accreditation will enhance our capacity to protect and serve Michigan's residents in the most effective way possible."  

POLC-represented agencies, who were among the 11 other agencies that received their initial accreditation, include: Brighton Police Department, Brownstown Police Department, Grand Rapids Community College Police Department, Huron Township Police Department, Sturgis Department of Public Service, Troy Police Department and Wixom Police Department. The remaining newly accredited agencies are: Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, Lansing Police Department, Lathrup Village Police Department and Manistee Police Department.

The law enforcement accreditation process was developed by the MACP and later joined by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association (MSA) to establish a voluntary statewide law enforcement standards program. The MLEAC, which consists of commissioners from law enforcement and other professions, oversees the accreditation process with support services provided by the MACP. MLEAC accreditation aids law enforcement agencies in evaluating and enhancing their overall level of service performance. The Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program enhances the professionalism of police organizations in the state, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive, obtainable, and standards-based law enforcement practices, according to the MACP and MSA’s literature.

In November, MLEAC assessors examined all aspects of the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. They verified successful implementation of the 108 applicable standards set by the MLEAC to ensure compliance in areas including: use of force, special investigations, training, internal affairs, communications, and personnel selection. 

“I applaud the Attorney General for her leadership in becoming the first state agency accredited,” said Chief Bob Stevenson, executive director for MACP.

“The Attorney General is designated as the top law enforcement official in the state, and therefore the Criminal Investigations Division is also looked upon as a lead and model agency,” said Division Chief Aubrey Sargent.  

Accreditation is valid for three-years and agencies must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with the accredited standards.  

Ten agencies renewed their accreditation, including POLC-represented Muskegon Police Department and Novi Police Department. Other agencies that renewed accreditation are: Bay City Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo Public Safety Department, Northville Township Police Department, Port Huron Police Department, Portage Department of Public Safety, Roseville Police Department, Western Michigan University Police Department and Zeeland Police Department. 

Click here for more information about the accreditation process on the Michigan Association of Police Chief's website.