WMU Department of Public Safety retains highly prized accreditation distinction

Contact: Deanne Puca

February 21, 2024

WMU DPS Chief Scott Merlo (second from left) with (from left to right) Sergeant Dustin Hubbell, Officer Charles Johnson and Officer Sara Helmer who were each presented with an Award of Excellence by WMU DPS for their exceptional efforts during the accreditation process.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University Department of Public Safety (WMU DPS) was again accredited for its policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, a position it retains with a select group of police agencies in Michigan and as just one of four in Kalamazoo County.

As one of nearly 80 departments out of almost 600 police agencies in the state, WMU DPS meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission's (MLEAC) "best practice" standards to achieve accreditation, an esteemed recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and Portage Public Safety also hold that designation in Kalamazoo County.

“The accreditation program through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) is a proactive and continuous health check of our organization and supports a culture of continuing improvement through our commitment to following the profession’s recognized best practices,” says Scott Merlo, WMU DPS chief. “This program makes us a better department for the University, the community and for our officers.”

WMU DPS first sought accreditation from the commission in 2019, and after undergoing the rigorous examination process, it became one of the small number of police agencies statewide to achieve accreditation in 2021.

A team of assessors from MLEAC arrived on Dec. 21 to examine WMU DPS and receive comments submitted to the assessment team from Western employees and members of the public.

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies who 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 report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.

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, including standards for high-risk liability actions like use of force, vehicle pursuit and search and seizure as well as internal operations such as officer and workplace training, command structure and recruitment.

Additionally, WMU DPS presented Sergeant Dustin Hubbell, Officer Charles Johnson and Officer Sara Helmer, who were all accreditation managers during the process, with Awards of Excellence for their exceptional efforts.

The MACP, through MLEAC, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the MLEAC, write the commission at: MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Parkway, Suite 600, Okemos, Michigan, 48864 or email @email.

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