Township police get reaccreditation by state org

By Kevin Elliott

The Bloomfield Township Police Department received its reaccreditation this February from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher said the department was accredited in 2019, with reaccreditation required every three years. To receive accreditation from the commission, departments must meet 105 standards maintained by the commission.

Accreditation is voluntary, and requires agencies to submit annual reports attesting to the compliance of specific standards. The commission’s assessment for accreditation also includes on-site visits to ensure best practices are being met.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into it,” Gallagher said. “It’s really a self-reflection of our department to say whether we can do better in certain areas. We do it on a volunteer basis, and there are 120 agencies in the process of accreditation and 60 that are accredited. There are many, many man hours involved, and you have to provide proof to all actions. For instance, there has to be proof for use of force actions and that those are meeting the standard.”

Gallagher said accreditation results in greater accountability within departments; 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 department began the accreditation process in December, at which time Gallagher requested comments from employees and the public that could be submitted to the commission. The commission assessed written materials, interviews and office visits.

“This is a reflection of our entire agency and all the officers who are here, as well as support staff and dispatchers,” Gallagher said. “We thank them for what they do, and appreciate the support of the board and the community.”