Accreditation assessment team invites public comment
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will arrive on Thursday, Dec. 21, to examine all aspects of the Western Michigan University Department of Public Safety's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
"Verification by the team that the WMU Department of Public Safety 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," says Scott Merlo, the department’s chief.
WMU DPS first sought accreditation from the commission in 2019, and in 2021 became one of the small number of police agencies statewide to achieve accreditation after undergoing the rigorous examination process. That process begins with assessment, which started anew this year as the department is seeking reaccreditation.
Accreditation is valid for 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 public safety department must comply with 108 standards to achieve accredited status. “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,” Merlo says.
As part of the final on-site assessment, Western employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team by telephone or email. Those interested in commenting may call (269) 387-5094 on Thursday, Dec. 21, between 1 and 3 p.m. Email comments can be sent to crime@wmich.edu.
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 is available for inspection at the WMU Department of Public Safety headquarters at 511 Monroe St. in Kalamazoo. Contact Deputy Chief Timm Unangst at (269) 387-5606 to obtain a copy of the standards.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about WMU Public Safety's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the accreditation program manager at @email or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Parkway, Suite 600, Okemos, Michigan, 48864.
Ron Wiles, a retired police chief with long experience, is the accreditation program director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP).
"The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members and 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," Wiles says.
The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, write the commission at MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Parkway, Suite 600, Okemos, Michigan, 48864, or email at @email.
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