Police assessed during accreditation process

By Lisa Brody

A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on April 20 and 21 to examine all aspects of the Birmingham Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services chief Mark Clemence announced, and the public is invited to offer comments.

The Birmingham Police Department is undergoing accreditation by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, under the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan.

In order to achieve full accreditation, the department must comply with 105 standards.

“Verification by the team that the Birmingham Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s 'best practice' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Clemence said. “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies,” said ret. chief Neal Rossow, accreditation program manager for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. “The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team, Clemence said, by telephone or email.

The public may call 248.530.1791 on April 21 between the hours of 9:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m. Email comments can be sent to birminghampolice@bhamgov.org. Put “Accreditation comments” in the subject line. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards.

A copy of the standards are available for inspection at the Birmingham Police Department, 151 Martin, Birmingham, MI 48009. Contact lieutenant Greg Wald at 248.530.1775 for more information.